Xbox Partner Preview – How Creatures of Ava Places You in the Role of a Creature Saver

Earlier today, Creatures of Ava was announced during Xbox Partner Preview, and we’re excited to confirm it’s arriving on Xbox Series X|S in 2024. That’s why we at Inverge Studios wanted to use this opportunity to tell you more about the beautiful world of Ava. 

Creatures of Ava is a Creature Saver game in which you will have to help creatures escape from an infection that is rapidly growing on the planet Ava, threatening to wipe out all living beings. Your goal is not to collect the creatures for your amusement nor hurt them — your goal is to save them.  

One of our overarching goals when developing the game was to make it non-violent while remaining really fun to play. From the outset, we’ve been captivated by the notion of saving creatures from a distant planet, not for any utilitarian purpose, but simply because they’re sentient beings deserving of compassion. With that vision in our mind creating a non-violent game was essential. However, this initially proved to be one of our biggest challenges, until we settled on the flute as one of the key mechanics in the game — that really helped us realize our goal. Let me explain…. 

You play as Vic, a human explorer of the rescue team sent to planet Ava to save all living beings before an inevitable catastrophe. In order to save them, you will be forced to leave behind all technology and learn the local customs of the native people of Ava, who have a deep spiritual connection with the planet and all its life forms. Music is their common way of communicating and you must learn how to play the traditional flute of the natives, harmonizing with the beat of Ava. 

Using flute skills, Vic can communicate with these creatures and see what they see. They can also request their assistance to figure out puzzles that involve Ava’s surroundings and the natural world. By imitating the sounds creatures make with your flute, you will be able to gain their trust, and then connect to see through them. Connecting with creatures allows you to see from their point of view and control it to interact with different parts of the environment by using their unique traits and abilities.  

Vic can also use her time in Ava to investigate the infection, learn its origin, and try to stop it. A special staff – called Nafitar – from an extinct Ava civilization will allow her to cure the infection growing in the environment, as well as the one growing on the creatures.  

The infection renders creatures aggressive, which challenged us to find a way to implement unique, non-violent combat mechanics. For example, you use the staff to absorb the infection while dodging the attacks of frenzied creatures. The result is you’re simply cleaning the infected part of the enemy, which is not fatal for the creatures.  

At Inverge Studios, we’ve dedicated years to bringing Creatures of Ava to life and ensuring it carries a profound message for players. We’re excited for you to experience it and to connect with the diverse species that call Ava home. Stay tuned for more updates!