Blaktasia: Australia's First Aboriginal-Led Mobile Game Fights Colonialism with Stunning Native Flora and Fauna
October 21, 2024Blaktasia, developed by the team GUCK, marks a significant milestone as Australia's first Aboriginal-led mobile game.
In this game, players are tasked with saving their home from a corrupting force known as The Murk, which drains life from the land.
To combat The Murk, players collect native plants and seeds, engaging in a quest to reclaim the land.
The development of Blaktasia is deeply influenced by the personal stories and experiences of the team members, particularly resonating with Blak players.
The game showcases stunning visuals that highlight the beauty of native Australian flora and fauna, while also conveying an anti-colonialist message.
Blaktasia features a scrapbook-like aesthetic in its overworld, drawing comparisons to the game Don't Starve but with a more positive tone.
Players can enjoy a variety of mini-games, including guiding an anteater through tunnels to collect ants and experiencing a romantic story between two Rainbow Lorikeets.
The game was showcased for the first time at Melbourne International Games Week in October 2024, generating excitement among attendees.
GUCK has been actively advocating for better representation and voices of First Nations people within the gaming industry.
Blaktasia will be free to play upon its release, with the development team planning to disband after providing initial support.
Summary based on 1 source
Get a daily email with more Gaming stories
Source
Checkpoint • Oct 20, 2024
PAX Aus 2024 Highlight – Blaktasia