Song of Nanzhao
Song of Nanzhao is an experimental game inspired by the Tang Dynasty performance Nanzhao Fengsheng Music, a cultural exchange between the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Tang court in 800 AD. Players use the flute and music as their primary mechanics to interact with the environment, gathering materials to craft a Guzheng. By communicating with local villagers, players uncover the symbolic meanings behind the music and learn the historical narrative of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and identity during the Tang era.
- Producer
- Sound Designer
- Programmer
Tailer Video
Game Mechanic
Player use flute and music to interact with the environment, gathering material for crafting a Guzheng. Through communicate with local villager, the player will learn the story behind the period.
Story Background
"Nanzhao Fengsheng Music" is a music and dance drama presented to the Tang Dynasty by Nanzhao King Yimouxun during the Zhenyuan period of the Tang Dynasty. The music and dance drama contains many symbols. These symbols are the expression of Nanzhao's wish to "offer sacrifice to the Tang Dynasty", "swear to be a minister of the Han Dynasty", and "never leave the country". Then the Nanzhao envoys were ordered to go directly to Chang'an to present music and dance to Emperor Dezong of the Tang Dynasty. In the 17th year of Shangyuan (800 AD), the huge envoys arrived in Chang'an, and the "Nanzhao Fengsheng Music" presented by them was magnificent and full of ethnic characteristics, which caused a sensation in the court and the public for a time.