Burning Out

About

Burning Out is a visual novel centered on Nula, a nonbinary protagonist battling the exhaustion of urban life in São Paulo while pursuing an uncertain dream. Players navigate dialogue options that shape Nula’s emotional state and decisions, balancing personal aspirations against the weight of daily stressors. The story unfolds through sparse but vivid scenes, emphasizing quiet introspection over dramatic twists. This student-developed project focuses on burnout’s real-world effects without sensationalizing them. Its strength lies in subtlety, routine frustrations and small victories feel authentic, even if the narrative structure occasionally falters. Despite its short runtime, it managed a 78% approval rating on early community feedback, with many praising its earnest take on mental health struggles. As a first-time team effort, it shows promise in using simple mechanics to highlight complex emotional states.