Meet Mountain: A mental health game from Bradford University developers

Meet Mountain is a recently created puzzle game from a group of students at the University of Bradford, made in collaboration with Safe In Our World and Andy’s Man Club.

The aim of the game? To bring back light to the village of MeetMountain – a once lively and buzzing hot spot full of community. Following the Eternal Winter and freeze-over of the island, it’s become more difficult for the villagers connect with each other. The game itself intertwines themes around mental health in a journey promoting self-discovery.

As players make their way through the village, they come across several eclectic personalities who provide new activities, quests or comedic relief. By meeting the characters in the village and helping them out with quests, players will learn new abilities and knowledge in order to tackle the main games puzzles more easily, mirroring a clear metaphor for life in general; it’s usually easier with friends.

Inspired by dialogue and story heavy indies, Meet Mountain combined the narrative style of games such as Undertale and Hollow Knight, with the visual aspects of titles such as Don’t Starve, Paper Mario and Minit. Emi explains further, as they “drew inspiration from several games that presented fixed perspectives and puzzles using 2D objects in a more open space.”

What can other aspiring developers take away from Meet Mountain?

We asked Emi, who managed level design, dialogue writing & concept art for the game, about their tips for other students and aspiring developers in creating games like Meet Mountain.

“I think I’d want other students to see our small cast of characters. Despite working on separate aspects, our team did a really great job shaping the characters not just dialogue but also the environments they are surrounded by, the quests they gave and the way they look and sound. Linking each of these pieces together gave each character a small set of features that we might not have even planned originally, but still fit for those characters.”

Emi continues, “It’s important to have a somewhat meaningful, but not necessarily conclusive, message when making a mental health focused game. Unlike the structure of a linear story, with a beginning, middle and end, most people live with and maintain their mental health. That journey involves moments stagnation, struggle and progression all happening at different times, so it’s important to show that taking place at various points in the game, maybe at different times for different characters.”

Meet the Characters

Hunter the Dragon

After leaving to become a seasoned adventure and hero, Hunter hears of the troubles in the village. They returned to the village hoping to help, but had issues solving puzzles.

Kelby the Sheep

They live in the village as the local farmer. Despite being a big part of the community, they have trouble socialising with so many people. As an old friend of Hunter’s, the hope the village can remain a warm place they call home.

Walter the Walrus

The jolly village elder and guide. They’ve seen many people come and go. Knowing the true nature of the mountain and how it affects the town, they see it as their duty to keep spirits high and ensure that the village can continue to have new visitors and villagers.

Sky the Pegasus

A fellow visitor of the village, having heard how great it once was. They become stuck there with the weather being so cloudy, however they still find a way to enjoy themselves. While not really involved, they’re rooting for the people of the little village.

Sol The Light Phoenix

One of two siblings that protect and maintain the mountain. Sick of being isolated within the mountain, they venture to the village below to meet it’s people and indulge in their warmth. Unfortunately the mountain suddenly grows hazardous leaving Sol feeling sorry for their sibling who stayed inside.

Lunar The Dark Phoenix

The more pessimistic of the two siblings Phoenix siblings, they chose to remain in the mountain. Seeing the mountain as their sole responsibility, they reject the idea of visiting the nearby town and stoically watch over it alone. Despite their negative outlook, they understand isolation is harsh and aren’t opposed to having company.

What were the main challenges in creating Meet Mountain?

“We had a big challenge early on figuring out how the game would play. We wanted to present a message, but also make an engaging video game that was still related to the themes we wanted to present,” Emi discusses, “if we wanted to use magic or various abilities for players to have fun with, we also needed to encourage the player to interact with the characters and the themes of the game.”

Meet the Team

Kacey Birro – 3D modelling, prop design & sound design

Emi Richardson – Level design, dialogue writing & concept art

Finn Hatton – Character design & concept art

Konrad Zwierzchowski – Programming, quest design & game design

Garth Hutchinson – 3d modelling, level design textures & environment art

Connor Shoe-Jones – Environment art & concept planning