Ever wanted a game as cozy as Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, but more educational and storied with plants, romance, and getting you into a “forest dance” – and physically out of your seat? You don’t have to look any further than “Forage Friends,” a game designed by Priscilla Firstenberg and Chris Whitaker with PieTrap Studios; a video game development company based out of Seattle.

I had the chance to first meet Priscilla when we were meeting virtually for our WTIA classes; an accelerator program for start-up founders in Washington state. And what I know now about the project is this. “Forage Friends” is more than just a farming simulator; it's a sanctuary of serenity, a haven where players can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

ForageFriend’s Vision and Purpose

What strikes me most about Priscilla and Chris’ vision is their curiosity for combining rewards for plant discovery and incentives to get up and physically walk to unlock story progression. This feature was born out of Priscilla’s own personal journey as she battled depression and fatigue from the loss of a family member along with working long hours in the gaming industry; no small feat in of itself.

Priscilla addressed the crucial gap in existing health apps in our chat. “It's not about lack of knowledge, it's about lack of motivation,” she asserts. I can’t help but agree that there is a need for a game that provides meaningful incentives for positive behavior change. This can even boil down to the look and feel of a game to give a player extra incentive to engage in a virtual world that feels inviting, soothing and evoke a sense of calm.

Game Mechanics and Innovation

And with “Forage Friends,” you have an incentive to venture into the beauty of nature in the real world as well. By tapping into the psychology of habit formation and leveraging the power of gamification, PieTrap Studios seeks to create an engaging and enjoyable experience that promotes lasting lifestyle changes. By tracking your steps through the accelerometer in your phone, you can unlock rewards and progress along the gardening stories with the NPCs you quickly grow to love.

Priscilla's background as an artist shines through as we discussed the creative process behind the game's visuals as she  organically evolved into the game’s creative director. The art style of “Forage Friends” blends Western and Eastern influences to create a nostalgic and familiar feel. “I wanted something that instantly makes you feel good when you open the app,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for players. And we continued to chat about the substance behind all the character builds too.

Artistic Style and Storytelling

Priscilla divulged to me that her team has expert storytellers that built a whooping sixty chapters of story development for each character that a player should encounter in the game. I privately “swooned” when she described how each character will grow into wanting a love relationship with the player. For me, romance and plants just make sense. And in the game, if the relationship doesn’t work out because the player decides this, there is an offering of friendship to be made. All while NPCs and players collaborate over the co-learning of plants, flowers, and trees; and shared discoveries. I couldn’t help but feel that this is the real stuff that budding friendships, and relationships, are made of.

The art style of “Forage Friends” is a testament to Priscilla's artistic vision, blending anime and new cartoon stylized influences to create a visual feast for the senses. Imagine wandering through a lush, verdant landscape, dotted with colorful flowers, towering trees, and charming cottages straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. Every detail, from the whimsical character designs to the vibrant flora and fauna, is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment. Every NPC card that PieTrap studio releases on their Instagram, and other socials, already evokes a promising experience.

With style aesthetics that are reminiscent of cozy and wonder-filled films like “Castle In the Sky” or “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and ensuring gamers don’t get stuck with paywalls to progress in the game, I’m already lining up to try the beta when it launches. Being a master gardener with an insatiable curiosity for plants myself, I couldn’t help but ask what inspired this seedling of a gamer habitat that will undoubtedly sprout into an amorously rosy gaming experience. Priscilla embarked on a mission to create more than just a game. She personally wants a captivating experience that transcends entertainment and fosters real-world change.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

I had a chance to watch the building of the game in real-time during a Twitch event. And I can say “Forage Friends” is more than just a feast for the eyes; it's a testament to the power of storytelling and community. As players tend to their gardens and forge friendships with fellow gardeners, they become part of a vibrant and interconnected world, where every action has ripple effects that shape the fabric of the narrative. It's a world where kindness and compassion reign supreme, and where players can make a difference not only in their own lives but in the lives of others.

By speaking with Priscilla a few times over the last year, it’s apparent that “Forage Friends” is a game that goes beyond traditional gaming experiences. Unlike competitive-based models, “Forage Friends” offers a gentle and nurturing environment, where players are encouraged to cultivate positive habits through joyful exploration and meaningful interactions. “It's not just about leveling up; it's about finding joy in the journey and celebrating the small victories along the way,” Priscilla says.

The team plans to attend upcoming events like SakuraCon in Seattle to promote their game and engage with potential players. They also mention the success of their physical merchandise sales in generating interest and support for the project. GeekGirlCon is another event they plan to participate in later in the year, based on positive experiences from previous attendance, having their own mercy booth in 2023. You can buy the cutest baskets with homemade soaps and much, much more to pledge your support for “Forage Friends.”

What’s Next

As far as game development and community engagement, Priscilla highlights the importance of community engagement and responsiveness to player feedback. “We aim to create a game that resonates with a broad audience, including those who may not consider themselves traditional gamers. The team is focused on building a supportive and inclusive community around the game, prioritizing accessibility and a positive player experience,” Priscilla says.

In the world of “Forage Friends,” every day brings new discoveries and delights. Whether you're tending to your garden, exploring hidden corners of the world, or forging friendships with fellow gardeners, this game offers endless opportunities for joy, growth, and connection.

Events

You can Find the ForageFriends Team at Sakura Con at the Seattle Convention Center from March 29-31st!

https://sakuracon.org/a

They will also most likely be at GeekGirlCon as well on Nov 9-10.

Learn how to grow something new together with ForageFriends!

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