Set deep in Fiordland, Mycohaven is a 2D Virtual World MMORPG for PC aimed at audiences 7+. The world is divided into six realms, each focusing on sustainability.

The focus for this game pitch is the gardening and food waste realm, Loamshire. Other areas include geothermal energy, textiles, fishing and waterways, native bird conservation and construction.

Mycohaven intends to revitalise the virtual world genre, engaging young audiences with the internet in a safe and accessible way while also connecting them to their local nature areas.

Upon purchasing a Mycohaven figurine, the product will also come with a customised pedometer known as a Mycometer. The Mycometer unlocks in-game bonuses when players enter certain real-world DOC nature walks, as well as foraging for loot with an increase in the number of steps.

The realms work together to host seasonal festivals and events, play together in the tavern, explore the island and trade resources at the island’s marketplace. Players are encouraged to collect and collaborate while exploring how they want to contribute to the ecosystem. The realm of Loamsire enjoys the simpler things in life. They tend to their allotments, keep their composting worms well looked after and concoct delicious meals with this season's bounty.

When addressing systemic climate and social issues, children can be the key to making the world a better place. Inhabited by a host of various environmentally inclined mushroom-based spirits, the world of Mycohaven aims to be a holistic and engaging approach to teaching young people about ecology, identity and engaging with the outside world within a safe and inviting environment designed with them in mind.

Mycohaven

Official Game Teaser.

Character Design.

Character design and costuming has been inspired by the fungi that can be found in Aotearoa. Fungi are bastions of community and sustainability, breaking down the old to make room for new growth and all inherently connected within their landscapes, i believe this idea holds potential to make way for characters that can allow identity to flourish. Everybody loves cute woodland spirits, and allowing the children who play this game to imagine that creatures like these might even be found in our world if you looking under the right ferns and between the right mossy stones, creating an immersive and inviting user experience.

Environment Design.

I was continually learning through the process of environment rendering. Clarity and simplicity are paramount when designing for younger audiences. I look to various virtual worlds for inspiration for the ways that these locations subtly indicate interaction and direction.

Gameplay Design.

The gameplay features in Loamshire are focused on harvesting and cooking. Players will learn about the importance of managing food waste, seasonality within gardening and the basics of cooking with what you have at hand.

Toy Fabrication .

Creating a world that features toys that integrate both online and offline play allows for stronger emotional bonds to form between the child and the ability to play with it.

The invention of this intersectional method of play is a direct response to the digitality of the modern child, and the messiness that comes with this has opened up the door for entirely new methods of play and creativity.