"Down by the bay,

where the watermelons grow

back to my home

I dare not go..."

DOWN BY THE BAY is a visual novel of recovery, reflection, and finding yourself amid the waves.

 *****

It's Diana's last summer before college and she's determined to leave her past pain behind and start on a path toward healing...Even if that means making the difficult choice to cut ties with her own mother.

Join Diana in the final days of summer break and decide if you'll heed the call of the bay, or try one last time to settle things with Mom.

*****

*Submission to the Jam For The Planet: Earth Day Jam 2025 and the Liminal Game Jam 2025

*Hand-drawn art and backgrounds

*full audio narration

*20-40mins of playtime

*an original rendition of the folk song "Down By the Bay" by Splashbun

*poignant, atmospheric storytelling, music, and art creates a unique visual novel experience

*****

*Created by Skye Rozario Steinhagen

*"Down by the Bay" song created by Splashbun

• Listen to the full Instrumental and Vocal versions here.

*All music tracks besides the main theme are copyright of Oneul

*GUI is modified from "Ren'py Noir GUI" by Tribalmozart

*****

Notices

• Content warning: this game depicts trauma, and recovery of psychological and emotional abuse. The game is recommended for people 17 or older due to the mature nature of the issues discussed.
• Do not re-upload, sell, or redistribute this game or any of these assets without permission.
• Streaming the game and/or making gameplay videos is allowed as long as commentary and proper credit is added to the upload. Thank you for playing!
• Feel free to create any review, analysis, or essay videos on the game.
• If you’d like to support my work, please consider a donation here.

Enjoy your stay, down by the bay...