The fast pace of living in a big city has produced a zen-like match-3 on Apple Arcade.

You need a javascript enabled net web surfer to watch videos.

Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

This interview was conducted remotely via Zoom and edited for clarity.

Was the idea to theme the game around a serene garden in an attempt to juxtapose that stress?

Do you still want the player to feel a little some of that tension?

Sandra Honigman:We don’t need tension there, no.

So the lack of monetization enhances your overall vision of making this a relaxing experience.

Is that simply because people don’t need to have a financial stake in the game?

We’re not worried about monetization at all.

Was this always the goal?

Yes, one hundred percent, that was always our goal.

That’s always been the plan

So when did the Zen garden idea come into play?

Our very first idea was gardening, but the animals came into play a little later on in development.

Once we had them, they shaped the entire personality of the game.

We believe very strongly within Playdots in making sure that each level’s experience is as friendly as possible.

We wanted to avoid having players think about every single move in Garden Tails.

Instead we want them just going with the flow.

I noticed the rewards you’re given are very specific numbers.

230 of one currency and then 40 of another.

Where did those numbers come from?

Were they random choices, or did they come from playtesting?

Those numbers are actually very important to the pace in which the player is unlocking the garden.

Our first level, for instance, is the fastest garden to complete in the game.

I guess going through that Excel sheet is the exact opposite of the relaxation you’re trying to bring?

We’ll gladly take the stress.

What sort of research did you do to harness that feeling of relaxation or serenity?

Did the team listen to relaxation apps, music, ASMR videos, or something else while creating this?

When you’re in a big city like this, where do you go to relax?

Basically, we’d take the day off and just go there with the team.

What are some of the future plans for the game going forward?

Garden Tails: Match and Grow isavailable nowon Apple Arcade.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly?