Orca Research Simulator

A game themed around Killer Whale Research. Dev. Updates || Science-Forward || No AI

[orca-research-simulator]

Dev Update (May 13th, 2026)

Is this a dev update? No idea, but I'm the dev and I'm updating, so I guess it counts. My ideas are flip flopping a bit, I'm not sure if I want to go forward with a text based game or a 2D game that's more story driven. I HAVE a story in mind that I think would be really compelling, but the text based format would do it no justice.

2D is what's doable but at the edge of my skill limit (for now... maybe), I've done some work with 2D it's just been a while and will add more complexity and restrict some of the management features I was wanting to add.

Text Based is more scalable and I can add in features for more customizable whales more easily since there will be less assets needed, but the 2D would offer more 'playability' and setting depth and story vs just management. These are essentially two different, albeit related ideas. I could very well do both idk.

- Mod Obsidian

Art Credit: Me

[orca-research-simulator]

Interest Check

So- It's been a while since I've used this platform and I'm back after decided I wanted to seriously commit to a project this time and do it properly. Some of you may remember years ago there was a text based orca simulator affectionately called 'orca-simu' around. I'm the person behind that and I'm now back with more experience in development and creation and I've decided that I'm going to make a full prject come to reality which is a fully fledged application game!

I'm still largely in the planning phase, but I have the skeleton set up of something proper and I suppose this will be documenting both my journey developing this game and also getting feedback and gathering a little playtesting group when it comes to it.

Development does take time, but I love orcas and I love video games and I've always wanted to do something more with both of those passions. I plan on using this as a stepping stone for more development projects later down the line. Hopefully somewhere down the road I'll be able to do fundraising for some research organizations, but I'll get there when I get there.

If you're interested in this project, want to keep tabs on things, or want to give feedback, feel free to follow along and ask questions!

- Mod Obsidian