Artistic Statement / Use of Theme
Our project incorporates the jam’s themes of sustainability and “Plant a Seed” by presenting environmental growth as a long, interconnected process. As shown in our trailer, the title *It Takes Time* applies throughout the game. In Level 1, players experiment across multiple rounds to build a planet suitable for human civilization. In Level 2, the time marker above the seedling changes after every turn, subtly reminding players how long trees and ecosystems take to grow—and that environmental recovery also takes time.

The project’s positive climate solution is balance. In Level 1, players must consider the consequences of everything they introduce. Prioritizing commercial development can cause a shopping mall to replace an orchard, while excessive data storage can pollute the water and endanger the planet. The game does not present curiosity or progress as harmful, but shows how developing one area without considering the larger system can cause its collapse. Our call to action is to pursue progress thoughtfully, recognize limits, and protect what already sustains us.

If Level 1 is about balance, Level 2 is about timing—doing the right thing at the right moment. Wind initially appears as an obstacle but later helps the tree grow. This is inspired by *thigmomorphogenesis*, in which plants respond to mechanical stimulation such as wind by adjusting their growth and developing stronger stems. By turning an obstacle into part of the solution, we show that environmental forces are rarely simply “good” or “bad.”

Artistically, we were inspired by the *GROW* series and its colorful, minimalist cartoon worlds. Bright visuals, gentle animations, and relaxing sound make experimentation playful, while the consequences of the player’s choices reveal a more serious message about what “growth” means.

Ultimately, *It Takes Time* asks players to pause and look back. As the player leaves Level 2 and returns to Level 1, they must reconsider the larger picture and recognize what may have been neglected. We want players to remember how long our planet took to become the living world we depend on: progress requires balance, restoration requires timing, and nature requires time.

Development Summary
To be honest, our core idea and scope remained fairly consistent throughout development. The final game turned out surprisingly close to what we originally envisioned.

Our biggest challenge was the art pipeline, which created a snowball effect that delayed the rest of our schedule. *It Takes Time* relies heavily on art and animation, but we had only one artist, who joined after the game jam had already begun. We tried to find additional help, but most people were busy during the summer.

That said, our artist did an incredible job. Her work gave the game much of its identity and soul. However, because the artwork arrived later, our programmers often had to wait or work with placeholders. This meant spending considerably more time replacing assets, implementing animations, and readjusting the game afterward.

One unexpected—and nearly disastrous—problem appeared when we created the Web build. Because the project contained so many large art assets, Unity/the browser failed to include or load some of them properly. It was extremely frustrating to have the game essentially finished but be unable to upload a working web build.

We did not have to cut many major ideas because our original scope was realistic. Most of our compromises involved reducing the time available for polish and iteration rather than removing core features.

As the director and the person who initiated the project, my biggest positive surprise was the dedication and professionalism of the team. Every member was more than someone completing an assigned task—they were all genuine co-creators of the game. Each person contributed something essential and irreplaceable to the final experience.

(optional) Release Plan
Realise on itch.io

(optional) Further Development Plan
Don't have plans yet

Topic Tags
Climate change, Climate adaptation, Ecosystem resilience, Systems thinking, Interconnected ecosystems, Biodiversity, Forest ecology, Mycorrhiza, Nature-based solutions, Sustainable agriculture, Water resilience, Environmental education, Forest ecology, Mycorrhiza, Biodiversity, Ecosystem restoration, Sustainability, Nature-based solutions, Soil health, Water conservation

Sprint Participation
Yes

Game Engine, Platform, Format
Unity, 2D, Web & Win & Mac build

Generative AI Disclosure
No AI used

(optional) Promotional Video
https://youtu.be/_3gCvnpxCnM

(Optional) Feedback Form
Still in progress: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QJTK-d2mt0AvkynLQ1QP2d671I9CIXk0Lh3p0S-26Q0/edit?resourcekey=&gid=1753967912#gid=1753967912