Camper Van: Make It Home, a new indie organization and puzzle game, has recently established its Steam page after greatly surpassing the Kickstarter goal of with €54,728, which roughly converts to $59,393, as of this writing.Camper Vanallows players to decorate and organize a van as they travel around the map, which correlates with the protagonist’s journey to self-discovery. The game is currently undergoing beta testing; a release date has yet to be announced.
Camper Van’s Malapata Studio, an independent Spanish video game studio, told Game Rant in a recent interview that the protagonist can be relatable to anyone. Nonetheless, players will have endless opportunities to make the story their own with the various features included in the game.
Camper Van: A Home to Call Your Own
Camper Vanhas no dialogue or text, but players will follow a female protagonist who leaves her comfortable life for a nomadic one. She narrates her story through the objects she carries, the places and people she encounters, and the changes that she experiences. Despite having a protagonist, Malapata Studio said that the goal is to give playersthe freedom to create and customize their space. With a focus on interior design, players are equipped with a plethora of options for their furniture, complementary decor items, and, as they advance in missions, a chance to design the outside area of their van, which will match their current destination in the game. And, if they experiment enough, players can also unlock hidden functionalities and “secret corners” of the van.
Guided by Glassmuse, we carefully choose items, blending functionality with style. The idea is to offer players plenty of options, allowing them to make a cozy, beautiful, and relaxing space, all with their personal touch.
It’s about striking the right balance, letting players craft an inviting van that suits their vibe. So, in the end, we want to ensure that players have a diverse range of choices to express their personalities within the realms of coziness, warmth, and beauty.
In addition to the handpicked items, the color palette ofCamper Vanwas also intentionally chosen. From the video game’s trailer to its official art, the designs are plastered with pastel colors; these include soft yellows, greens, blues, and pinks, to name a few. This color combination is nothing new to video games and has been used in classic titles likeSuper Mario World 2: Yoshi’s IslandandKirby’s Dream Land 3. Pastel colors have been found to evoke feelings like calmness, peace, and happiness.
The pastel colors in Camper Van are intentionally chosen to bring out good vibes. We’re all about creating a visual experience that makes you feel the warmth, comfort, and tranquility. The gentle and soothing palette is designed to immerse players in a cozy atmosphere, sparking joy, relaxation, and a sense of connection with the virtual world they’re crafting within the game.
Camper Van Positions Your Van as a Metaphor
The protagonist won’t be alone. Malapata Studio included the option to choose a furry companion for the road after hitting €20,000 on the Kickstarter’s stretch goals. Travelers can pick between a dog, a cat, or an iguana. The independent studio told Game Rant that they included this feature to create “a whole new level of emotional connection with the virtual environment.” Choosing pets tends to add a layer of sentimentality to video games, whether it be taming a wild dog inMinecraftorraising Chao inSonic Adventure 2. InCamper Van, the choice of companion could show a player’s love for animals or something deeper.
Maybe you just like one of the animals more, or perhaps you see them as symbols of different qualities. It’s your call. The dog can be your loyal sidekick, bringing comfort and security. The cat might represent a bit of independence and mysterious vibes, leading to some playful moments. Or go with the iguana for a unique and quirky companion, adding a dose of curiosity. This decision becomes your own journey, with a meaning that’s unique to you.
And while the protagonist is unnamed, Malapata Studio said it’s because the traveler can’t be pinpointed to one person," describing it as a “patchwork quilt of stories.”
We’re creating a character whose story taps into moments that hit home for pretty much everyone at some point. It’s like putting together a patchwork quilt of stories, where each person can spot a piece of their own journey in the adventures we’ve crafted…
Though organization and puzzle games are nothing new, it’ll be interesting to see how Malapata Studio uses these concepts to positionCamper Vanas a metaphor for a player’s journey in real life. Cozy games are typically played to wind down and escape daily life, so being in a personalized, pastel-colored van that travels to different visually pleasing destinationscan be a refreshing approach to the genre.
Camper Vanis in development for Mobile, PC, and Switch.
