Described as a game of tranquillity through the art of matching pieces of Ruya in the world of her dreams.

We spoke to Miracle Tea, developers of Ruya, about the intricacies and hidden meanings behind the game. In the interview, Bradley explained that Ruya is ultimately about motherhood and depression. At first glance, the game may look like a simple puzzle game, but by solving the puzzles in Ruya’s psyche, you unlock forgotten memories.

The memories players are shown are based on real-life observations from Bradley’s mother. These memories were during times of grief, adding intimate detail to the gameplay.

A lot of the nuances and meaning in the game most people wouldn’t ever fully register, but it’s the kind of thing we designed to be felt in a subtle way.

In Ruya, you’re solving puzzles in her own personal dreamscapes where your goal is to eventually wake up. It’s presented in such a way where Ruya is giving little pieces of herself away in order for her children to flourish by spawning flowers.

Those flowers temporarily mask her antlers, which are figuratively and literally the depressive weight upon her shoulders.

At the end of each level these flowers get washed away, indicating a temporary fix.

About Ruya:

Players will engage in a wonderful and relaxing puzzle experience in which you will face a multitude of challenges aimed to help relax the player. 

With 64 handcrafted puzzles, players will slide, swipe, pop and release cute characters so that Ruya can progress and unfold her memories. 

Features: 

• Relaxing gameplay
• Beautifully handcrafted puzzles
• Visual narrative to encourage positive emotion
• Tweak binaural beats, allowing you to sink into a state of deep relaxation.
• The sound of rain, falling snow and whistling wind help to immerse you in 8 surrealist dreamscapes.