The Steam Awards are here, and here I am, asking you to nominate our game for the Sit Back and Relax Steam Award!
When I was working on Ocean's Heart, I didn’t want to create just another adventure game where you breeze through vague fields or caves fighting slimes. When I want to relax, I take a walk through a forest or cycle through the countryside. Everywhere you can go is a different place - if you stop to poke around there is a unique character or surprise or vibe to a place. I wanted to make a game where you could get lost in places. Where you might discover a new weapon or monster, but you can also discover the foundations of a long-gone house, a worn trail leading to a hidden ravine, or a kind of plant that only grows here. The small stories we learn as we take in a place.
After a whole year has passed, I think this teleportation machine of a game works. You turn the game on, and you're transported into a land brimming with places; with unique stories to take in. theThe only trouble is to choose what you want to do next - collect enough coins to upgrade your weapons, go monster hunting, help out your friends, or go and learn a magic spell that could protect you from that tougher-than-usual boss fight you've been putting off for a few days now.
I like to think that in a world where we often couldn’t travel or explore as much as we’d like to this past year, Ocean’s Heart was a way to escape. If my game helped you in that regard, and let you relax or explore for at least a second, I feel like I've done my job.
Knowing this, I am extremely humbled and thankful for every one of you who played my game, shared your experiences and feedback, so I could improve, and get inspired to chase my dream once more.
Thank you so so much,
Max
