Creating My Own Video Game

As someone who’s always had a deep connection with both nature and creativity, I recently found myself diving into an entirely new realm: video game development. It wasn’t something I’d ever planned on doing, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that creating a game was the perfect way to combine my love for plants, science, and storytelling. So, that’s exactly what I’m doing—developing a game that brings nature to Mars and, hopefully, into people’s homes.

The Concept: A Martian Greenhouse Adventure

The idea for my game is simple yet fascinating: players manage a greenhouse on Mars, where they have to grow plants to survive. But it’s not just about planting seeds and watching them grow—there’s a lot more going on under the surface (literally and figuratively). As players cultivate their crops, they’ll face challenges like Martian dust storms, temperature fluctuations, and resource management. The gameplay is about strategy, survival, and, of course, nurturing plants in a hostile environment.

At its core, the game is about growth—both in the literal sense of planting and harvesting crops and in the sense of personal development. As the greenhouse expands, players will have to learn how to manage new plants, gather resources, and build an ecosystem that can support a growing population. It’s like Clash of Clans meets a botanical garden on Mars!

The Real-Life Component: Growing Plants at Home

One of the aspects I’m most excited about is the real-life connection I’m planning to incorporate into the game. Players who accumulate enough play time and reach certain milestones in the game will have the option to receive real-life seeds shipped directly to their homes. Imagine this: you’ve spent hours growing your virtual greenhouse on Mars, and now you get to bring a piece of that world into your own home.

I love the idea of blending the virtual and physical worlds in a way that encourages people to connect with nature, even if it’s just a small pot of basil on their windowsill. It’s more than just a game—it’s an opportunity to inspire people to cultivate something real, something they can touch, taste, and enjoy in their daily lives.

Challenges and Learning the Ropes

I’ll be honest: creating a video game from scratch is a challenge. I’ve had to learn so much about game development, mechanics, and design. My first big step was finding someone on Fiverr to help me create the 3D models of the plants, and it’s been a collaborative process ever since. Every plant needs to be designed with a unique look, and as I go along, I’m working out how the growth mechanics will work in a way that feels both realistic and rewarding for players.

Another part of the development process has been mapping out the progression system—how players can expand their greenhouse, what kind of resources they’ll need to gather, and how the game will evolve as they level up. From seed collection and plant expiration mechanics to random events like dust storms, every element has to be carefully balanced to create a fun and engaging experience.

I’ve been developing this game for months now, and there’s still a lot of work ahead, but it’s been such a fulfilling journey. I’m not just building a game; I’m creating a world where people can grow, both in-game and in real life.

What’s Next?

I’m currently deep into development, focusing on expanding the greenhouse mechanics and refining the cross-pollination and seed collection systems. I’m also working on how to integrate the real-life component seamlessly—making sure that the seeds players earn in the game translate into a fun and exciting experience when they arrive at their door.

My goal with this game is simple: to create something that not only entertains but also inspires people to connect with the natural world. Whether it’s through virtual crops on Mars or real plants in their homes, I want players to walk away feeling like they’ve nurtured something meaningful.

Stay tuned for more updates on the game’s development—and maybe start clearing a spot on your windowsill for a new plant!