With over 30 games that will be showcased with 300+ developers, game industry publishers, investors and platforms in attendance, GaMaYo #24 is taking place on the 22nd May 2025 and is just around the corner!

This event is brought to you by Game Republic along with their Official Partners Barclays Games and Creative and Red Kite Games

Today we are looking at ‘Ascend’ which is confirmed to be at the event, from Miami Avalon!

Ascend by Miami Avalon

What would be your description of your game?

Ascend is a puzzle adventure game where players guide Aurora through mystical trials inspired by astrology and the human journey through grief. Each level explores an elemental theme of the zodiac, intertwining puzzle mechanics with symbolic storytelling of the star signs.

How did development start? (Were there any key inspirations or ideas that drove you?)

Development started as a personal project driven by my love for storytelling, crafting worlds and puzzle design. The idea of blending mythology and astrology into a game emerged naturally and Ascend was born. Replaying games such as Jak & Dexter, Final Fantasy X and Primal helped shape Ascend’s storytelling and gameplay. It is a journey where players engage with the themes of loss, self-discovery, and perseverance. A lot of inspiration came from games like Final Fantasy X, Rime, and Tomb Raider, as well as my own personal connection with music and narratives.

Tell us about the team behind the game!

We’ve been developing Ascend in our spare time whilst working full-time jobs (the life of an indie developer!). Our team is spread out across the UK, with a few team members dotted around the world. Our amazing team all help in their spare time too, covering all aspects of the game development such as design, art, code, qa etc… We seek a lot of feedback and collaboration, especially in areas like art, audio, accessibility, to make sure Ascend feels immersive and meaningful.

What kind of experiences do you hope to bring players?

We want players to feel a sense of wonder, reflection, and emotional connection – whether it’s through solving puzzles, uncovering the lore or seeing pieces of their own journey through Aurora’s. The game is meant to be both meditative and challenging, rewarding curiosity and thoughtful exploration.