woolberry ranch (2025-25)
Woolberry Ranch is a cozy farming game centered around self-expression and creativity, developed January through November 2025. My role on this project was multi-faceted, spanning game design, programming, UI/UX design, art direction, and project management.
I designed and prototyped several of the game's core features, including a camera and photo framing system, customizable aquariums, custom-placed decorations, pets, painting, and farming mechanics; all built around the goal of giving players a calm, creative space to decompress and express themselves.
This project has unfortunately been cancelled.
Software Used
skills Used
Game Design
UI/UX Design
programming
Project Management
System Design
rapid prototyping
User Interface
Radial Menus
The radial menu was chosen for its accessibility and versatility. Its intuitive circular layout is easy to learn, quick to navigate, and translates seamlessly between PC and console inputs without requiring separate control schemes.
Paint Menu
The paint menu gives players full creative control over their home's appearance, allowing them to choose from a curated set of pre-set and purchasable colors and fine-tune each with an adjustable sheen setting, from matte to glossy.
Camera Interface
The camera interface was designed to authentically replicate the feel of a DSLR camera, complete with manual and auto focus modes, zoom controls, and familiar settings found in a real viewfinder. The goal was to make players feel like they were holding an actual camera, not just using a game mechanic.
game design
Pets & Aquariums
Players begin their journey with a dog or cat companion they can name, pet, play fetch with, and interact with throughout their farm. The aquarium system extends that sense of living companionship. Players can fish across the world and add their catches to fully customizable aquariums, complete with decorative pieces they choose and arrange themselves.
Full Customization & Decoration
Woolberry Ranch gives players complete creative freedom over their living space, letting them purchase, craft, and discover decorative pieces from across the island. Items can be freely placed and arranged throughout the home, giving every player a unique space that reflects their own personal style.
Photography & Art Framing
Every photo taken in-game is automatically saved to a personal Photo Album that players can browse at any time. Players can also select their favorite shots to frame and hang on their walls, with full control over the picture frame style and finish — turning their home into a personalized gallery of their own adventures.
Level design
Explorable Caves & Secret Areas
The islands are filled with more than meets the eye! Hidden caves and secret areas are tucked throughout the world, rewarding curious players who take the time to explore. Some of these secrets can only be uncovered with the help of your pets and animals, weaving the companion systems directly into the joy of discovery.
Island Farming
Woolberry Ranch puts a fresh spin on the cozy farming genre by setting the entire experience across a diverse chain of islands. Each island brings its own character and opportunities, giving the world a naturally relaxed, breezy atmosphere that sets it apart from the typical farmland setting.
Day/Night Cycle & Weather
The world of Woolberry Ranch feels alive at every hour, featuring stunning sunrises and sunsets alongside custom stylized clouds that shift throughout the day. A dynamic weather system adds even more variety — players might enjoy a calm clear morning, a light coastal breeze, a steady rain, or even a rare snowfall.