Discovering Kamaeru: A Frog Sanctuary and its Environmental Impact

Video games have the power to convey significant messages, either explicitly or subtly. For Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge, its developer Humble Reeds employed the concept of collecting and taming frogs to emphasize the importance of ecological diversity and the positive impact of restoration efforts on the planet. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, the studio's co-founders, Aurélien Condomines and Mélanie Christin, discussed how they incorporated this environmental message and what they hope players take away from the game. Released on June 8, 2024, for PC, Switch, and Xbox, Kamaeru was initially intended as a mobile game but encountered issues with its business model. The duo decided to launch it on PC and console first, with potential plans for a mobile release in the future if they can find a suitable partner for marketing. The idea for Kamaeru drew inspiration from games like Pokémon and Cats & Soup, but its core concept stemmed from Condomines and Christin's focus on biodiversity and nature restoration. Project Drawdown, a non-profit organization providing climate solutions, played a significant role in shaping the game's environmental message. Condomines noted that restoring wetlands, which are home to frogs, was a key solution highlighted by Project Drawdown, and this idea became the foundation of the game. The development of Kamaeru was also influenced by popular farming simulations like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. The game's unique blend of frog collecting and environmental restoration has attracted a dedicated audience, with many players appreciating the game's focus on sustainability and biodiversity. By restoring the frogs' habitat, players can collect rare species, take pictures, and add them to their Frogedex. The game's design encourages players to care about the wetlands and restore them, which can help capture carbon and promote ecological balance. While Kamaeru carries an environmental message, it is not an educational game. Instead, it is a humorous and engaging experience where players can enjoy the gameplay without being forced to absorb a specific message. The game features a bioscore system, which rewards players for producing good biodiversity, and a carbon capture gauge that increases as players restore the wetlands. The gameplay is intertwined with the environmental message, making it a natural and enjoyable experience. The game's art style, designed by Christin, features beautifully hand-drawn elements, from rocks and trees to the frogs and other creatures. The game's cosy atmosphere, accentuated by its low-tech and non-punitive design, allows players to enjoy the experience without time pressure or stress. With over 500 frogs to collect and care for, spread across three biomes, players can engage in various activities, such as breeding frogs, crafting items, and selling resources to fund their restoration efforts. The game's seven mini-games, which involve using resources to craft items like paper, packaging, and insulation panels, add depth and variety to the gameplay. Overall, Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge offers a unique and engaging gaming experience that subtly conveys a vital message about environmental preservation and cooperation.