Computer games allow us to take on other lives, and see the world from new perspectives. FoAM has been working for a number of years on using games to strengthen the connection between plants and people. Our latest approach takes popular games such as FarmVille as inspiration, but explores what would happen if they were infused with aspects of permaculture, and where characters called “Plant Spirits” help or hinder you as you discover a world organised by companion planting.
The game is in active development, and we invite you to join us by designing your own characters on paper that will rebuilt in the running game for you to play with. You will also be able to learn about what permaculture is, as an ancient art of assembling “guilds” of mutually beneficial plant species, as well as hints to a more general design strategy or philosophy.