A resource management game about a tree

Alex Duncan
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In this game, I tried to bring together a variety of my interests. I have a continuing curiosity in depictions of non-humans in art, and wanted to try exploring this in a digital game. I am also an avid fan of strategy games, from Crusader Kings II to StarCraft, and wanted to merge some of the mechanical complexities of these games with more artistically-inclined thematic explorations of indie titles, like my favourite game, Proteus. From these influences, Demeter came to be.

A young tree, trying to survive its first year.

A young tree, trying to survive its first year.

With dynamic weather and seasonal changes, the game’s challenge comes from learning how to relate to the ebb and flow of seasons, and being able to endure harsh conditions.

The sapling in it's first winter.

The sapling in it’s first winter.

With enough practice, the player can see their tree thrive, slowly growing in size beside its coniferous peers.

As the tree grows, more of the forest is revealed to the player.

As the tree grows, more of the forest is revealed to the player.

After 6 weeks of work, and plenty of feedback from my teachers and peers, I am happy with what I have been able to accomplish in Demeter. After a bit more polish, I will be putting the game online, hopefully by March 2015.