[Cairn] A unique climbing experience where climbing itself becomes a “game”

Author: “Cairn is not a game about conquering mountains, but a game that lets you experience the act of climbing itself.”

In this article,

• What kind of game is Cairn
• Differences from existing mountain climbing/action games
• Why is it attracting attention
• What kind of people does this work appeal to?

based on logic.

① What kind of game is Cairn

Cairn is a climbing game developed by The Game Bakers, known for
Furi and Haven.

The biggest feature is

• There are no enemies
• Almost no guidance other than clear goals
• The act of climbing itself is the main purpose

The player,
Facing a harsh mountain,

• Where to put your hand
• Where to put your feet
• Is this movement safe now

I will keep thinking about it.

Author: “Cairn is a game that requires a lot of judgment rather than good button operation.”

② Definitive difference from general action games

In many action games,

• There is a correct route
• You can break through if you remember the timing
• Even if you fail, you can try again

.

But Cairn is different.

• There is more than one correct route
• One step decision can be fatal
• Fatigue and posture affect next action

The emphasis is on the feeling that is close to real mountain climbing.

Author: “The fear of Cairn is that the reason for failure is not an “operation error,” but a “judgment error.”

③ The tension of climbing becomes a game itself

At Cairn

• Reach out your hand
• Leave your weight behind
• Stop and think for a moment

are established as
game play.

That is,

• Flashy production
• Big reward
• Massive hits of reinforcement elements

.

Author: “It’s rare to be able to experience the feeling of being tired just by climbing” in a game.

Author: “I think this work will be evaluated on whether it stays in the memory or not, rather than whether it becomes popular or not.”