Luna: A Development Journey
Connection
Luna began as a simple concept during my undergraduate studies in Media Arts at the University of Montana, about three years ago.
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Over time, it ‘bloomed’ into something I’ve become deeply passionate about—a cozy, narrative-driven platformer centered on themes of connection, friendship, and compassion.
Compassion
You play as Luna, a moonpetal mushroom and the gentle keeper of a magical teahouse. Throughout the game, Luna forms a growing bond with her companion, a butterfly named Citrini.
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As their relationship deepens, the gameplay encourages you to reflect on how much you ask of others versus how much care you give.
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If Luna overuses Citrini’s help, the butterfly becomes fatigued and unable to assist, illustrating how compassion involves not only empathy, but action. Compassion means stepping in, supporting, and balancing mutual need.
Taking Action
During my time at UM, especially in the College of the Arts and Media, I’ve been fortunate to work with faculty who exemplify this kind of compassion.
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Their mentorship, scholarship support, and constant encouragement have truly shaped both me and this project.
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Thanks to their guidance, Luna has evolved far beyond its original concept, particularly during my graduate studies.
Core Mechanics & Gameplay
In the game, Luna learns to illuminate flowers and lanterns, gather pollen, brew magical teas, and offer warmth and comfort to those in need.
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As the story unfolds, Luna must match tea blends to the emotional or physical needs of NPCs in order to build relationships and learn more about the world around her. This mechanic highlights the idea that compassion is not one-size-fits-all—it requires us to understand others on their terms.
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In the game, for example, if an injured squirrel needs strawberryflower tea to heal, offering your favorite goldenrod blend won’t help. True connection comes from listening, being present, and meeting others where they are.
Thank You
Through Luna, I hope to create a space for reflection and warmth—an experience rooted in intentional care, both in how we treat others and how we grow through connection.
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Thank you for being part of this journey.