Every game designer has some ways to create their own game. Getting inspiration from their teenager's favorite games is very common. My case is not an exception also. I really love Simcity 2K of Maxis, Outpost of Serria, Popcap games, etc. I was excited when I saw the simulation of living things on the PC screen. I thought it would be more exciting when those entities were my own creation.
One thing that also affects my design idea relates to my birthplace. I was born in a city where concrete buildings are everywhere. Although imprisoned by polluted air and cement constructions, my games are usually about natural animals. The explanation for that could be either some connection with nature or the missing natural elements in my daily life. My game ideas disclose them all.
Those two aspects fused and formed a clear image when I drove a motorbike through a Bến Tre Coconut forest, Mekong Delta. Nine cute little dragons flying or sleeping on the house roof or bushes appeared in my mind. That's how the main idea of "Hogvalord: The Ranch" was born.
The idea suited the concept of mindfulness in game design I mentioned in previous posts. It led me to the vision of a game that could make audiences feel warm, cozy, and gentle and bring them close to nature. It would be a no-psychological tricks game that could not addict the audience and suit busy people. The no-addiction game might be a silly, laughable idea for profitable purposes. Personally, I think it is simple and natural. People can understand it easily when they eliminate their greediness.
However, all of them were imagination. The main task waiting for me was the idea realization. There is an enormous gap between imagination and reality. Because of that, the feasible capacity relies on my current resources. The resources of a solo game dev are very constrained. I can not represent the appearance of the dragon people used to see. Instead, I use a dragon-like creature whose name is Hogragon. That Hogragon originally came from my fictional creation in the Hogvalord video game.
In conclusion, I think "Hogvalord: The Ranch" would be a proper choice for people who need gentle relaxation to calm their minds.