Story into Action: The Making of Rage Fighters

Join Erica Milsom and Dr. Gowri Aragam from Ryzo Studio in a presentation on how they created their film and video game.

NEW DATE! May 5, 6-8 PM

This is a "behind-the-scenes" look into how Roblox games are made, using Rage Fighters, A Roblox game based on the short film Release the Beast, as a point of reference (described in detail below). The Ryzo team, Erica Milsom (founder of Ryzo studios and former director of Pixar), and Dr. Gowri Aragam (mental health advisor of Ryzo studios) will share the lessons they’ve learned translating a 12-minute film into an engaging Roblox combat game. They’ll share the bumps along the way and how they’ve worked to find the “native language” behind the art of video games, transforming a story about emotional regulation into a gameplay mechanic that is entertaining and educational for kids.

This is a session for creators, developers, and advocates interested in how we can meet youth where they already are to build muscle memory for mental health.

This event will include a meet and greet with the creators from 6:00-6:30. The presentation will run from 6:30 to 8:00.

Co-sponsored by the Mental Health Storytelling Initiative.

What is Release the Beast?

Release the Beast is a 12-minute animated film that follows Aaron, a 14-year-old aspiring game designer who is pushed to his breaking point by a bully. When his repressed anger finally snaps, his unfinished gaming character, "Stan," splinters into multiple rage-fueled incarnations — from a chaotic sticky-note sketch to a high-fidelity CG warrior — turning his bedroom into a psychological battlefield. Aaron must wrangle his runaway inner voices and decide if these "Stans" will destroy his life or help him finally level up.

What is Rage Fighters?

Rage Fighters is a Roblox game that transforms the themes of Release the Beast into a high-stakes "inner-world" combat experience. Players battle through multiple zones, facing enemies that represent Aaron’s real-world pressures. To survive the onslaught, players must manage a “Rage Meter” by mastering technical regulation skills: breathe, chill, and pause. This is a game that turns moments of rage into an opportunity to teach youth how to stay focused, ready, and in control.