Dev Diary August 2025
Hey guys and welcome to our second dev diary. I’m super excited to share the core concept of our game. But before we get into that here is what we will be talking about today:
- Matchmaking game concept
- Introducing the island inhabitants
- What’s next?
Catching bugs and feelings!
The core concept of the game is catching bugs to help them find love ❤️ I will tell you a bit more about the story reasons at a later point but I can assure you the bugs are willing participants.
The gameplay loop will consist of catching bugs then helping them find a compatible bug-partner.
Just like with humans, finding the better half of your many legged friends is not an easy task. There are a couple steps necessary to set up a successful date.
Traits & Preferences
Critters will have dating traits & preferences.
The different traits a bug has make up their “dating profile”. Some bugs will be very picky while others are more open to any trait.
Traits are things like:
- Number of legs/wings
- Shell type
- Color/style
- Personality
- Eyes/antennae
Compatibility
You can learn what a bugs preferences are by:
- Sending them on dates
- Finding notes in the wild
- Observing bugs in their natural habitat
- Tracking bugs in the wild
- Postcards obtained through perfect matches
- Events (when running around with a bug it might let you know that it likes this place a lot)
Preparing a Date
There are two environmental factors that determine a date’s success, decoration and location.
Setting the Mood (decorating)
You will be able to add objects to increase the odds of the date succeeding such as branches, rocks, moss or flowers. Each bug will have different preferences that you will need to adapt to.
Finding the perfect spot (location)
The date spot can be a certain biome or landmark like a waterfall or lake, or it can be specific cardboard backgrounds that can be found/unlocked around the island. Here again certain bugs will prefer different environments.
Meet the Islanders
Of course you will get to know the island locals during your stay on the island. Here is some concept art for some of the islanders you will meet.
Leah
Loves landscapes and pictures of landscapes. Tells the player about chill-spots and doesn’t stop talking about how beautiful the mountain is. Doesn’t really care for bugs but is supportive anyway.
Wears polaroids as earrings. “What if one breaks? Don’t care, i take new pictures all the time!”
John
Tries really hard to be different from everyone else but is still going through his journey of self-discovery.
Lindsey
Lumberjill with history in the mountain, doesn’t trust it.
She acts outwardly cold but is really kind once you get to know her. Names all her axes in her collection.
Winston
Operates a fishing hut near the beach but is a surfer boy at heart.
Has build the hut by himself to be always close to the ocean and marine life despite not having much fishing experience.
Matt
A Mayor that doesn’t know how to be a mayor. Rarely gets the opportunity to exercise his authority, but when he does, he loves reveling in that feeling.
Nick
Friendly weirdo next door. Used to work as a sign-flipper for a fast food chain and kept the costume and sign.
What’s Next?
We decided to make some changes to the trailer to better highlight the dating aspect so the trailer will take a while longer until it is done.
The plan stays the same. Once we have a trailer we can officially release on steam. After that the team will focus on getting a playable demo up for the beginning of next year.
That’s it for this dev diary. Let me know what you would like to hear more about and follow us on our socials for more regular updates.
Please feel free to respond to this email or contact us directly on our socials. We would love to chat with you directly and answer any questions you may have.
-Flo
Grand Duck Games 