More than 45 new games will be on show at GaMaYo on 21st November with 400 developers attending the event to try them out alongside publishers, investors and platform holders. The event is managed by Game Republic along with their Official Partners Red Kite Games, Barclays Games and Creative and Escape Technology
We look at demo number 21 confirmed to be at the event – a game from Panda Cat Games
What would be your description of your game?
At its heart, Spirits of Heartwood is a game about doing things together! We’re currently working on the prototype for a heartwarming cooperative adventure where two players team up to rescue lost Spirits and restore Heartwood village. We’ve designed our game with skill inclusivity in mind, ensuring players of all skill levels can dive in and experience the joy of teamwork and exploration.
Imagine:
Watering whimsical flowers with inflatable blobfish – check!
Rowing a boat together across a lake teeming with playful (but pesky!) whales – check!
Navigating a towering grass maze while collecting adorable bun-buns – check!
These are just a few of the delightful challenges you’ll face as you work side-by-side, forging bonds through shared laughter and accomplishment.
The game is brimming with charming characters, each with unique skills and personalities that bring Heartwood to life. And while private online lobbies will be available, we picture Spirits of Heartwood as the perfect Sunday afternoon game – a game that invites you to grab a cuppa’, gather with loved ones, snuggle up on the couch, and embark on a heartwarming adventure together. It’s a game that rekindles the joy of shared gaming experiences, reminding us of the simple pleasures of connection and play.
How did development start? Were there any key inspirations or ideas that drove you?
I’ve always been drawn to the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli films, the captivating creatures of Pokémon, and the gentle charm of games like Animal Crossing. Growing up, gaming was a cherished family activity – from local co-op on the N64 to 4-player joystick battles on the Amiga.
As I got older, I found it challenging to find games I could genuinely enjoy with my much younger sister, or even with inexperienced friends or family members. I wanted to create a game that was accessible to everyone, regardless of age or gaming experience.
Our debut game, Spirits of Heartwood, stemmed from a desire to create games that bridge generations and bring people together. It actually started as a collaboration with people I’d met in the games community that helped me learn how to code in Unity – a fun collaboration that sparked a realization: we could turn this into something real.
I had discovered GaMaYo as a student at the University of Bradford, and the organizers’ encouragement played a huge role in boosting my confidence and networking opportunities. When I heard GaMaYo was expanding for 2024, I knew it was the perfect launchpad for our game. We began pre-production in May, specifically aiming for a GaMaYo demo release, a decision rooted in my own positive experiences with the organization.
Tell us about the team behind the game?
My name is Sarah York (she/her) and I am the founder of game studio, Panda Cat Games. I’m a seasoned game developer originally from Yorkshire whose journey has spanned roles from QA and environment art to production at renowned studios like Sony and Rocksteady.
The vision of Panda Cat Games attracted a core team of talented individuals – Kai Oliver (game design), Bridie Farrell (writer), Kelsey Miller (engineering) and Alexandra Luong (concept art and illustration) – as well as some additional friends, and together, we decided to forge our own path. We wanted to take everything we’d learned, all the skills we’d honed, and pour it into something that was truly special, something that could bring joy to players of all experience levels.
We knew that to create something truly innovative, we needed to look beyond the traditional game development bubble. So, we reached out to the talented people we’d connected with over the years – folks with backgrounds in everything from escape room design and mixed reality to the feature film world. The result is a team that’s as diverse and dynamic as the experiences we aim to create. We’re a vibrant mix of genders, ethnicities, and perspectives, and I believe that’s our secret sauce. It’s what allows us to see possibilities others might miss, to challenge conventions, and to craft games that feel fresh and exciting. At Panda Cat Games, we’re not just building games, we’re building a community and a space where everyone feels heard and valued.
What kind of experiences do you hope to bring players?
With Spirits of Heartwood, we aspire to create gaming experiences that are genuinely inclusive and welcoming. We know that games can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to the medium. Our goal is to break down those barriers and offer a game that anyone can pick up and enjoy, regardless of their gaming background. We envision Spirits of Heartwood as a perfect way for experienced gamers to introduce friends or family members to the joy of interactive entertainment.
More than this, we hope our game fosters meaningful connections and lasting memories. I cherish the memories of playing games with my family and friends growing up, and I want to create that same magic for others. Imagine years from now, hearing someone say, “Hey Dad, remember that game we used to play on weekends, the one with the panda and the cat? That was so much fun!” That’s the kind of impact we hope to have.
We also believe games can be powerful tools for personal growth. Spirits of Heartwood encourages communication, collaboration, and problem-solving – skills that can be nurtured through playful interaction with siblings, parents, or friends. Ultimately, we hope our game sparks imaginations, and if, at the end of a long day, Spirits of Heartwood can offer a shared moment of relaxation and escape, then we’ll consider our mission accomplished.
In 10 words or less, highlight the appeal of the game?
A wholesome and joyful cooperative adventure for all experience levels.
Any links to access/wishlist the game?
You can follow along with us on our journey and sign up to the mailing list to be kept up to date and notified of opportunities to have your say and help shape the game at linktr.ee/pandacatgames <3
