Miksi Early Access?

I’ve spent 8 years solo-developing Cornucopia®. Inspired by Harvest Moon 64 and my real-life years homesteading in rural Canada. From breeding chickens to hand-coding in a custom C++ engine, this game is my life's work. Built from love, grit, and soil.

I used to daydream in school about features that didn’t exist yet. Like using kitchen utensils to cook or breeding chickens for unique genetics. Years later, I spent three years homesteading in rural Canada. Hatching and raising chickens and ducks, breeding goats and pigs (the male pig was a real menace and escape artist. It was basically a free-roaming pig). The piglets were adorable, but eventually I had to sell them, which broke my heart. I harvested honey from my bee colonies to sell at the farmers market (not without some competitor drama), and cared for my Jersey cow, Lotka. I even tried growing vegetables, though the poor soil made it a real challenge. I was vegan at the time. So running a homestead was a complex and often ironic experience. That chapter directly inspired Cornucopia’s in-depth soil system.

My two dogs were always by my side: one still is. Munger, my 12-year-old English Bulldog, lives in the game too. The other, a Great Pyrenees livestock guardian, inspired the player character’s name. Rufus (who now lives with my mom). Many of the game’s characters and cutscenes are based on real people and memories from my life. Roger the Lumberjack, for example, was inspired by a character my dad used to play. He’d dress up in a goofy hat and fake teeth to troll my sisters’ friends, strangers, and family. My dad passed away when I was 13, and I’ve dedicated this game to him in the credits.

Cornucopia originally began in my own custom C++ engine while I was homesteading. I did the art, design, and programming myself, using a basic graphics library to prototype the core systems. It was playable. And interesting. But ultimately not good enough. Still, it was a massive learning experience that taught me programming, design, and the limits of trying to do everything from scratch.

Everything changed when I went into town for a game jam and discovered Unity. I switched engines, shifted from 2D to a 2.5D style, and began remaking the game with a whole new level of polish and potential.

In 2020, I founded Subconscious Games Inc. and officially transferred the rights to Cornucopia under the company. I still own 100% of the studio and remain the solo developer behind the game, working with talented independent contractors from around the world. Mainly for art, music, and sound design.

After seven years of building the game in Vancouver, I’m now back in my hometown and ready to plant my garden again. And more excited than ever to keep bringing Cornucopia to life.

This game is my life’s vision. I take it seriously. I show up for it every day (when I’m not overwhelmed or burnt out), and I’m committed to improving it no matter how long it takes. I’m not here to chase quick money. I want to create something I truly love. Let me invite you into that process. And let's build something lasting, together.

Miten kauan peli tulee arviolta olemaan Early Access -vaiheessa?

There’s no hard deadline. I want to move at the pace that makes sense for the game and the community.

Millä tavoin lopullinen versio tulee eroamaan Early Access -versiosta?

Cornucopia® will leave Early Access when the community and I both feel it’s truly ready.

Mikä on Early Access -version tila tällä hetkellä?

Cornucopia® is stable, fun, and already packed with features. It’s Steam Deck Verified and fully playable with a controller or keyboard and mouse. I release new content and improvements monthly, guided by player feedback. For the full rundown, check the About This Game section.

Muuttuuko pelin hinta Early Access -vaiheen jälkeen?

We may gradually increase the price as the game expands. Or we may keep it the same. It’ll depend on how the content and scope evolve over time.

Miten yhteisö otetaan mukaan kehitysprosessiin?

The Cornucopia® community is the heartbeat of development. I’m active daily in the Discord, reading every message, running polls, and chatting with players. I also keep up with Steam forums and expo feedback. Your ideas and support literally shape the game.

If you love the game, leaving a review on Steam helps more than you know. It not only supports visibility. It also lifts my spirits and helps guide future updates. Every word means something to me. Thank you and God Bless!