The Game of AfterDeath
An ancient Tibetan Thangka depicting the Lord of Death consuming the six realms of physical existence.
(click to enlarge)
The Tibetan Book of the Dead describes several stages, or "bardos", that one's consciousness passes through during the post-death experience. These stages will become the ascending game levels of AfterDeath. By employing actual mindfulness techniques- calm focus, equanimity, compassion- players will advance within the game while achieving higher states of meditative awareness.
1 - THE BARDO OF DYING
The conscious failure of the processes of one’s own body occurs
first, and is experienced in progressive stages. AfterDeath will
initially simulate these transitions with images and sound; later
versions will add haptic body and environmental stimulations.
2 - THE BARDO OF LUMINOSITY
Pure awareness, manifested as infinite luminosity, is the initial state that our consciousness is said to experience after death. The universe is filled with radiant displays of deep and subtle light, accompanied by primal sounds of thunder, wind, rushing water, and fire.
3 - THE BARDO OF BECOMING
This bardo consists of several stages, including the appearance of gods and demons, a ghostly journey across desolate plains and rugged mountains, and a terrifying confrontation with the Lord of Death, who measures out your sins and merits and decrees your ultimate fate.
4 - THE SIX REALMS
Finally, you are reborn into one of six realms, ranging from a god-like existence of pure pleasure to the burning torments of hell. Each of these is a separate game experience, in which selfless acts of courage and empathy can "respawn" your subsequent rebirths in a higher form.