Bower Bias

Inspiration

We wanted to create a collecting game where players gradually realize there's more to discover than what first appears. Bowerbirds build elaborate nests to attract mates, making every choice matter.

What it does

Bower Bias casts you as a bowerbird on a mission: gather objects and build a bower impressive enough to attract a mate. Through voice commands, you make choices about what to collect and how to arrange your bower. Seven decision points guide your building process as you work toward creating something that will succeed where previous attempts have fallen short.

How we built it

Using ElevenLabs voice agents, we created a multi-voice agent/story engine as a guide and an AI narrator who presents collecting choices. The voice interface makes the building process feel natural and contemplative, letting players focus on their selections and the outcomes that follow.

Challenges we ran into

Crafting a collecting game that feels rewarding throughout while building toward something more. We needed each choice to feel meaningful in the moment while contributing to a larger experience.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We created a nature-based game where the act of collecting and building becomes a journey of discovery. The bowerbird's perspective offers a unique lens for exploring how we make choices and what those choices reveal.

What we learned

Games about natural behavior can create space for unexpected insights. Sometimes the most meaningful experiences come from simply playing a role authentically and seeing where it leads.

What's next for Bower Bias

This standalone simulation explores perception and discovery through a bowerbird's eyes, part of Digital Wild's approach to finding meaning in the natural world's patterns and behaviors.

Built With

• elevenlabs-voice-ai
• runway