In writing the hypnotic script, I went out of my way to avoid referring to the Unseen Narrator as a character – no use of “I” or other reflexive pronouns – because I didn’t think I had space to develop a character people would feel connected to, but pointing it out like this makes it clear that was a straight-up error on my part; hypnosis depends on rapport and it’s easier to develop that rapport with someone.
I’m already planning a mod with a new script rewritten around different themes, based on the prior work of another regular participant in this jam, which would have a character-centric presentation, but it will also push harder into its kink themes. Writing for a game jam creates some odd constraints – I was leaning on “curiosity” and “openness to trying new things” as a core motivation to wanting to participate, because its content revolves around specific kinks I don’t expect the majority of folks to have! When writing a version that doesn’t need to be evaluated by 75 people who are, statistically, not likely to be into my specific thing, I can assume more personal interest and get much further into kink-related suggestions that, even with all the “only if it’s your thing” safeties in the world attached, I was unwilling to push into game jam content. I felt like going all the way to “this isn’t just about hypnosis abstractly or specific hypnokink aesthetics, this is literally designed to hypnotize you” was pushing the line far enough as it was; I was concerned (and still remain concerned, in all honesty) about consent issues with dragging people trying to just review 75 or 76 games into a more personal experience with hypnokink than they had intended to sign up for.
I’m sorry to hear about your cat – I hope they’re feeling better now.