Modern technology meets nostalgic design in Gina Pivirotto’s senior art exhibition. Titled ‘Set In Ink,’ the exhibition features a pixel-art video game that she created.

The platform-style game consists of three characters in a mysterious, woodsy environment. Wielding a stick as his weapon, Mush is the main character of the game, recognizable by his mushroom cap hat. Guiding you through the game is Nym, an adorable moth-inspired fairy. The Guardian, a giant dark tree, acts as the final boss of the game. To win, players must traverse the various platforms and defeat the final boss.

“The art program at Seton Hill has a big community aspect that I didn’t have before. With the small classes, you’re able to collaborate a lot more, which helps a lot in the art process.”

Despite the game’s visual complexity and advanced programming, ‘Set In Ink’ was created in just three months. The game is animated with Sprite and created in Godot. Pivirotto created the characters and animation of ‘Set In Ink’ in her classes. Turning her art into a video game is something that she taught herself. Pivirotto is a Graphic & Interactive Design major with an Animation concentration. Her classes have allowed her to develop her style, refine her techniques, and collaborate with professors and peers. For instance, another student, Matt Lewis, created the music and sound effects for the game.

“The art program at Seton Hill has a big community aspect that I didn’t have before,” she said, “With the small classes, you’re able to collaborate a lot more, which helps a lot in the art process.”

The arcade cabinet with her game, various design aspects, and sample merchandise are featured in Pivirotto’s exhibition.