At WX, Wakefield over 50 games will be demoing, along with 400+ developers, game industry publishers, investors and platforms in attendance for GaMaYo 25! Join us on the 13th of November for a day full of demos and round tables.

This event is brought to you by Game Republic along with their Official Partners Barclays Games and Creative, Xsolla and Red Kite Games, with event sponsors Plus Accounting, Escape Technology, HP and AMD.

Today we are looking at ‘Spirits of Heartwood’ which is confirmed to be at the event, from Panda Cat Games!

 

Spirits of Heartwood by Panda Cat Games

 

What would be your description of your game?

 

Spirits of Heartwood is a two-player buddy adventure (local/online co-op) designed to bring people together through shared experiences, and stress-free play (no combat, timers or fail states). We want as many people as possible to be able to experience the joy that games can bring, so the game is designed to be beginner-friendly whilst still being fun for more experienced players and welcoming to players of all ages.  We were at the last GaMaYo to showcase our early version, and this time we’re bringing an exclusive new version of the game with new surprises for you to discover!  Team up to explore whimsical locations at your own pace, befriend adorable “Spirits” and help restore the delightful Heartwood village whilst helping the townsfolk, learning more about the world and unravelling a mystery along the way..

It’s the perfect Sunday afternoon game that invites you to grab a cuppa’, 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?

 

The game was heavily inspired by the co-operative elements of games like It Takes Two, the cute creature collecting and restoration of Ooblets and the welcomingness of Animal Crossing. Our founder has always been drawn to the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli and Pokémon and retro cooperative games and consoles like GoldenEye on the N64 and Bomberman on the Amiga. In her family, gaming was a cherished family activity, and we believe those kinds of games are a lot harder to find and we want to change that!

 

Tell us about the team behind the game?

 

Our vision as a studio also includes supporting underrepresented and early-career developers who face barriers to entry, and setting an example for what inclusive and psychologically safe game development can look like backed by our founder’s experience of building and empowering inclusive and effective teams. We’re a UK-based studio and all of our team are fully remote. We believe in flexible working and trust the team to contribute hours in the way that fits their lifestyle. We also champion voices for all, which we believe fuels better, more innovative games. We are made up of 7 core team members, but we also have a bunch of collaborators, advisors and friends that have been helping us along the way. Together we bring a combined experience of over 50 years in the games industry including studios like Sony, Rocksteady and Meta. Our core team of talented individuals wear many hats whilst contributing their specialised skills – Sarah York (founder & lead developer), Bridie Farrell (writer), Kelsey Miller (programmer), Celina Basa (programmer), Alexandra Luong (art), Glynnis Koike (graphic design), Mauricio Flores (art).

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 and challenging the status quo on how game development can be done whilst having fun at the same time!

 

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 exciting world of gaming.

More than this, we hope our game fosters meaningful connections and lasting memories. We cherish the memories of playing games with our families and friends growing up, and we 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 want 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 cosy beginner-friendly adventure for two players to enjoy together!

 

Any links to access/wishlist the game?

 

We’ve just opened up our community Discord, please come along and have your say to help us shape the game. All of our social links can be found at linktr.ee/pandacatgames <3