Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge Shines a Light on Environmental Conservation

Video games have the unique ability to convey vital messages in an engaging and subtle manner. The developer of Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge, Humble Reeds, utilizes the concept of collecting and taming frogs to emphasize the significance of ecological diversity and the positive impact of restoration efforts on the planet. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, co-founders Aurélien Condomines and Mélanie Christin discussed how they incorporated this environmental message into their game and what they hope players take away from the experience. Kamaeru was released on June 8, 2024, for PC, Switch, and Xbox, with the developers initially planning a mobile release before encountering issues with the business model. The duo expressed interest in releasing the game on mobile in the future, provided they can find a suitable partner to aid in marketing, as the touchscreen element complements the gameplay. The idea for Kamaeru was inspired by games such as Pokémon and Cats & Soup, but the game's focus on biodiversity and nature restoration was influenced by Project Drawdown, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing solutions for climate change. Condomines explained that the game's concept was born from the organization's emphasis on restoring wetlands, which led to the incorporation of frogs as the main characters. Other farming simulations, such as Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, also had a significant impact on the game's development. The game's core message revolves around biodiversity and sustainability, with players tasked with restoring the frogs' habitat and collecting over 500 species across three biomes. As players progress, they can engage in various activities, including crafting and selling items to fund their restoration efforts. The game features seven mini-games, which the developers found surprisingly easy to create, and a narrative thread that emphasizes cooperation and the importance of working together for the greater good. While Kamaeru carries a powerful environmental message, it is not an educational game, but rather a fun and engaging experience that conveys its message through gameplay and beautiful, hand-drawn art.