Introduction

In an era where digital engagement plays a crucial role in education and awareness, harnessing the power of gaming to support conservation efforts presents a unique opportunity. Fluff Software was approached by a client with an innovative idea for a game called Born to be Free, aimed at educating children about endangered species while driving donations to conservation charities. Our role was to transform this rough concept into a concrete plan, developing a clear roadmap and an early-stage prototype that could attract funding and support the client’s mission.

The Challenge

The Born to be Free game was envisioned as an educational tool with two primary goals: to teach children about the plight of endangered species and to generate financial support for conservation efforts through donations. However, the concept needed to be fleshed out with a solid plan that would make it both engaging for its young audience and effective in achieving its conservation goals.

The client sought our expertise in not only refining the game’s concept but also in determining the best features, monetisation strategies, and target audience. Additionally, there was a need to create a minimum viable product (MVP) that could demonstrate the game’s potential and serve as a foundation for securing development funding.

Discovery and Ideation

Our collaboration with the client began with an in-depth discovery phase, where we explored various ideas for how Born to be Free could engage its audience and fulfill its dual objectives. This phase was critical in shaping the overall vision of the game, and it included several key components:

1. Feature Exploration: We discussed a range of features that could make the game both educational and entertaining. These included interactive elements that would teach children about different endangered species, as well as gameplay mechanics that could encourage ongoing engagement.
2. Monetisation Strategies: Since the game was also intended to drive donations to conservation charities, we explored various monetisation strategies. These included in-app purchases, donation prompts linked to specific game achievements, and partnerships with conservation organizations that could sponsor certain game elements.
3. Audience Research: Understanding the target market was essential for the game’s success. We conducted research into similar games and their audiences, analyzing what worked well and where there was room for innovation. This research informed our decisions about the game’s design, tone, and content, ensuring it would resonate with children while also appealing to parents and educators.

Roadmap and Prototyping

With the initial discovery phase complete, we moved on to creating a clear roadmap that would guide the development of the game. The roadmap outlined the steps needed to build the MVP, secure funding, and eventually launch the full game. Key milestones included:

1. MVP Development: We prioritised the creation of a minimum viable product that would showcase the game’s core features and its potential impact. The MVP focused on a single endangered species, allowing players to learn about its habitat, the threats it faces, and how they could help through in-game actions and donations.
2. Prototyping: Our team developed an early-stage prototype that brought the MVP to life. This prototype included basic gameplay mechanics, a user interface designed to appeal to children, and an initial narrative that set the tone for the full game. The prototype was designed to be both functional and visually appealing, providing a tangible representation of the game’s potential.
3. Funding Strategy: With the prototype in hand, the client was well-positioned to approach potential investors and partners. We worked with the client to develop a funding strategy that highlighted the game’s educational value, its unique approach to conservation, and its potential for generating donations.

The Outcome

The Born to be Free project successfully moved from a rough concept to a well-defined plan, complete with a functional prototype and a clear development roadmap. The discovery phase allowed us to refine the game’s vision, ensuring it would meet its educational and fundraising goals while appealing to its target audience.

The prototype we developed became a critical tool for the client, enabling him to secure interest and support from potential investors and partners. The game’s unique focus on conservation, combined with engaging gameplay and effective monetisation strategies, positioned it as a compelling project with significant potential.

Conclusion

The Born to be Free case study exemplifies Fluff Software’s ability to take a client’s initial idea and transform it into a concrete, actionable plan. By combining our expertise in game design, market research, and prototyping, we helped the client create a strong foundation for a game that has the potential to make a real impact on conservation efforts.

At Fluff Software, we are passionate about using technology to support meaningful causes. The Born to be Free project highlights our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that not only entertain but also educate and inspire action.