The Secrets of the Forest, Accessible to All
In close collaboration with the Natural Reserve of the Massane Forest, we have developed a video game about discovering the emblematic species of this forest.
Unique in France, this old-growth forest has been protected from human exploitation for over 150 years. The scientific community considers it an open-air laboratory. Located in the Pyrenees near the Mediterranean, it is home to numerous animal and plant species that can't be found elsewhere. Through this game, we invite you to uncover its many secrets.
Discover and Learn
With Secret Woods, we wanted to offer a gameplay that was immediately accessible to a large public, and playable on all manner of devices.
Inspired by hidden-objects games, players simply click (or tap) on an element to discover it. Discovering one element may unlock others, revealing the rich links connecting the species that make up the forest ecosystem, as well as tell a story.
It’s a game of observation and exploration, designed to immerse players in a rich, abundant, and welcoming environment. The goal is to engage players with the shapes, colors, details, and discoveries that mark their journey through the game.
Though the gameplay is simple, there is nonetheless a lot to learn! We worked with the Natural Reserve to select the species that shed light on how the forest functions. Players will learn about how certain species live, what they eat, their unique characteristics, and how to preserve their environment.
Learn to Protect
This video game fits in the goals of the Natural Reserve of the Massane Forest to communicate on important biodiversity of old-growth forests.
Unlike some natural areas that encourage recreational use, one of their primary challenges for the Massane Reserve is that human activity on-site is not recommended for the well-being of the animal and plant species.
This is why they wanted to develop a video game capable of reaching a broad audience without inviting them all to discover for themselves. It’s a solution that, on a local level, avoids disturbing species in their natural habitat.
An Artistic Direction That Invites Exploration
Choosing a hand-drawn approach for the illustrations and animations was a bold decision in an era dominated by AI and 3D technologies. This approach is an evident nod to children’s book illustrations and the animated films of our childhood.
This artistic touch adds sensitivity and a natural feel. Guided by vibrant colors and generous shapes, players are invited to lose themselves in the forest. Subtle animation loops encourage interaction with the universe of the Massane Forest.
The goal: to inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and embolden the player to lose themselves in the vibrant environment, discovering all that is hidden at first glance.
Development
To bring the game to life and create its various scenes, the studio developed its own editor, accessible directly in a a web browser. This solution enables us to expand the game over time, import new graphics or animations, and create new quests.
Find What’s Hidden:
While playing Secret Woods, you’ll embark on a journey to discover over:
- 50+ animal and plant species (mammals, birds, insects, mushrooms, flowers, and more)
- 3 "mammal-scale" levels, including 1 nighttime level
- 2 "insect-scale" levels
Want to play "Secret Woods"?
Credits
- Samuel Niccoli - Development and integration
- Axelle Rastouil - Assets and animation designer
- Thiebault Courot - Artistic direction and project management
- Jesse Himmelstein - Game design
- Diane Sorel - Scientific expertise
