Research into the UnderStory's narrative began in January 2021. The game is based on the findings of Dr. Susan Kalisz, head of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee. Game development began in June of 2021, as my cohort and I studied different game designs and mechanics. In August of 2021, I worked under Cary Staples (a Graphic Design Professor and Game Developer) as we fleshed the game out further. I had the privilege of illustrating all the elements of the game. After going through several iterations of styles (like Inuit art and cut paper style), we finally settled on a scientific illustrative approach.