I made a game
The Game
The story begins on King Street, Newtown. Our protagonist—a woman simply trying to have a great night out—is immediately bombarded by those guys: the ones talking about cryptocurrency and prying into your plans for the night. Frustrated but undeterred, you escape to The Imperial, where the adventure truly begins.
Inside, the atmosphere is electric: vibrant pixel art recreates the Imperial’s bar, the drag queens are larger-than-life, and the camaraderie of friends feels tangible. But it’s not all smooth sailing—your mission is to not only enjoy the night but also to save it.
The Inspiration
Midnight at the Imperial is as much a love letter to Sydney’s queer nightlife as it is a reflection of my journey now that I am moving to Melbourne. The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville has always been a symbol of inclusivity, joy, and celebration. I wanted to capture its energy and the unique magic of finding your community in a space that feels like home.
The design reflects my artistic style: bold and playful, with every pixel crafted to evoke nostalgia and humor. From the cryptic (and crypto-obsessed) men on King Street to the sparkling, dynamic drag performances, the game blends whimsy with authenticity.
Above is a screenshot of one of the scenes I created for "Midnight at the Imperial"
Below are some of the sprite animations I created for the game
A few important questions are asked to make sure you've got what it takes.
You gotta try and escape from "those guys"
A Team Effort
This project would never have come to life without Sean, who poured hours into coding every movement, interaction, and moment of gameplay. While I sketched out the characters, designed the levels, and wrote the narrative, he brought it all to life with technical precision. It was a collaboration that made every detail of the game special.
@seanalvesphoto ✨💃Midnight at the Imperial 💃✨ #sydney #videogame #unity #art #coding #gaming #pixelart #newtown #innerwest #australianartist ♬ original sound - Sean Alves Photo
Just a small portion of the work that went into making the game.
Why I Made This Game
Leaving Sydney was bittersweet. Creating Midnight at the Imperial helped me process that transition while celebrating the city I’ll always love. It’s about laughter, resilience, and the simple joy of finding your tribe on a chaotic night out.
Whether you’re dodging awkward conversations on King Street or basking in the glow of the drag stage, I hope this game brings a smile to your face and a spark of recognition for anyone who’s ever danced the night away at The Imperial.
