06:00, 21 February 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
As a self-confessed gaming enthusiast, I’m beyond excited to dive into a game that’s set to take up a lot of my free time in the near future!.
Recently, the gaming world has shifted towards more meaningful experiences, with players seeking games that reflect their values. Loftia is a prime example of this transformation.
Developed by Martina Qin, Michael Su, and Eric Mallon, the co-founders of Qloud Games, a Sydney-based game development studio and the home of Loftia, which is a Solarpunk-themed MMO that blends environmental consciousness with immersive gameplay. Set in a vibrant virtual world, the game invites players to connect with one another while engaging in activities that promote sustainability.
Smiley News reached out to Sydney-based co-founders Martina and Mic to discuss their vision for the game, how they’re integrating environmental themes, and the future of Loftia in the gaming landscape.
Martina and Mic’s backgrounds in game development and software engineering are complemented by their shared passion for creating meaningful experiences.
Martina, as the Creative Director of Loftia, works alongside the Lead Designer Felipe and Art Director Rob to shape the game’s creative direction, Eric ensures the technical aspects remain on track as the engineering lead and CTO, whilst Mic, as Game Director, oversees the project and running of the team. But it’s their love for community-driven, nature-focused gaming that has resulted in Loftia’s unique Solarpunk setting.
“We were big fans of MMOs growing up,” explains Martina. “Mic loved MapleStory, and I was obsessed with Club Penguin. During the pandemic, we fell in love with cozy games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley. But there was something missing—the social and community aspects of old-school MMOs. We wanted to create a game that felt positive, community-driven, and focused on nature and sustainability. That’s how the Solarpunk theme emerged.”
Loftia’s vision is clear: it’s a game that invites players to connect with each other while encouraging a sustainable future. The response from players has been overwhelmingly positive, with educators even reaching out to incorporate Loftia into their curriculum.
“The feedback has been incredible,” says Mic. “There’s a real demand for a cosy, social online experience that feels purposeful.”
A standout feature of Loftia is its Neighborhoods system, allowing players to connect their floating islands to others’, creating smaller communities within the game. Whether farming together, hosting events, or simply hanging out, the Neighborhoods feature fosters social interaction. “It’s all about giving players a space to connect with friends or meet new people,” says Martina, “while still allowing solo players to enjoy the game without pressure.”
Despite Loftia’s focus on sustainability, its core aim is to provide an enjoyable gaming experience. The game blends environmental themes with engaging gameplay, never overwhelming the player. “We want Loftia to inspire players to think about sustainability, but it also has to be fun to play,” says Martina. “We’ve worked hard to simplify complex real-world sustainability into something meaningful within the game.”
The world of Loftia reflects Solarpunk ideals, with modern cities integrated into lush green spaces. The game features renewable energy solutions like solar panels, wind turbines, and robot rain collectors.
Mic shares: “Loftia’s world is a Solarpunk utopia in progress. We’ve taken inspiration from real-world green cities like Singapore and Copenhagen, as well as Solarpunk fiction like Castle in the Sky.”
In keeping with the Solarpunk ethos, Loftia also introduces futuristic farming techniques, like vertical farming and hydroponics, which players can experiment with to create sustainable ecosystems. “Players will be able to create symbiotic systems with crops and fish,” Mic explains.
Sustainability is more than just a theme for Loftia; it’s at the heart of the game’s identity. “Loftia’s goal is to make players think, ‘What can I do to help the environment?’ and inspire them to make real-world changes,” Mic explains.
The team has partnered with environmental organisations like Bears for Humanity and has created an Environmental Research Team with community members who have expertise in sustainability. Martina adds: “We’re collaborating with these organisations to ensure Loftia is both fun and educational.”
To end Martina highlights: “Games are an amazing medium for raising awareness. We’re thrilled to be part of a growing movement towards eco-conscious gaming, and we hope Loftia will inspire players to think differently about the future.”
Loftia will enter early access in late 2025, available on PC and Mac via Steam, with a launch on Nintendo Switch shortly after. Players can stay updated by joining the Loftia Discord community or signing up for the mailing list.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Bears For Humanity. This is an eco-conscious brand that creates sustainable, handmade plush toys while supporting environmental and social causes. Find out more.
Planet Ark. A leading Australian environmental charity that promotes sustainability through initiatives like National Recycling Week and helping businesses reduce their environmental footprint. Learn more here.
GameBlast. This is a UK-based charity event organised by SpecialEffect, aimed at raising funds to help people with physical disabilities enjoy video games. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Climate Action.
