Cathex is an artistic interactive VR game that takes the audience through a journey of emotional catharsis, based on the American psychologist Mary Whiton Calkins’ philosophies of the universe as the Absolute Self, and Panpsychism.

Players enter a womb-like subconscious to uncover a long-forgotten memory of their origin. By dissolving objects called cathexes, they purify suppressed emotions and travel through a colourful world of mystery. Through scientifically researched emotion regulatory movements in VR, players experience happiness, sadness, and anger. Upward movements generate joy, while lowered postures or sharp movements evoke sadness or anger. Each cathartic purification reveals more of the abstract storyline.

Ultimately, players discover the hidden memory within themselves - a memory that all human beings carry deep within - the notion that we all are one with the universe. This conclusion honors Calkins' view that the universe is an all-inclusive singular conscience made of each being's perceptions. The game explores spiritual belief systems and questions the nature of reality in the context of VR.

Cathex is made by an all womxn & non-binary team of creatives.