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[Art] [Animation] [Unpaid] Looking for help with 2D dark fantasy bug themed adventure game

A topic by Sixwing created Apr 25, 2025 Views: 1,203 Replies: 15
Viewing posts 1 to 10
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Introduction

Mothwing is a linear action-adventure fantasy game set in a dark, mysterious world with Celtic-inspired themes. The story takes place on the island of Lamose, a hidden realm where kingdoms of bugs thrive at the base of ancient trees and within the tall grass. The world is frozen in time—locked in a 103-year stasis known as The Age of Perpetual Night.

About Me

Hi, I’m a 33-year-old solo developer, and I've been pouring myself into Mothwing for the past few months. Over the last decade, I’ve self-taught myself game design and narrative writing, and more recently, I’ve taken on programming as well.

I currently contribute as a writer and designer for The Wayward Realms, the upcoming RPG from Once Lost Games. That opportunity grew out of my self-taught journey—but Mothwing is my own vision. My own world.

About Mothwing

Devlog here: https://itch.io/t/4839562/mothwing-2d-dark-fantasy-adventure-game-with-insects

Mothwing is set in a world I’ve been building for 4 years—rich with lore, characters, and events. The game takes place close to the end of this world’s bronze age, and in the last few months, I’ve developed a working prototype with hand-drawn digital art and animation.

Gameplay-wise, I’m aiming for something close to a Metroidvania structure—freedom of movement and progression, gated by the abilities and tools you discover. The world is alive with NPCs: some offer side quests, others simply exist to enrich the setting and deepen the lore.

A core mechanic is the Moonstone system—magical stones that can be fused with the protagonist’s weapon, unlocking active abilities, attack modifiers, and passive bonuses. Think Final Fantasy VII’s materia, or Path of Exile’s skill gems—with a limit on what you can equip, allowing for unique builds and dynamic problem solving.

  • Explore dense biomes
  • solve environmental puzzles
  • engage in fast-paced combat using your Moonstone-enhanced arsenal.

Inspirations

Narrative/Worldbuilding:

  • Grounded
  • Redwall
  • Hollow Knight

Gameplay/Design:

  • The Legend of Zelda
  • Final Fantasy
  • Path of Exile
  • The Metroidvania genre in general

Why I’m Reaching Out

While I’ve been able to take Mothwing this far on my own, I know I can’t do it all. To bring this vision fully to life, I’m looking for passionate collaborators to join me—people who believe in creative worlds, emotional storytelling, and the magic of games.

Mothwing is built from a deep love of storytelling, worldbuilding, and the magic of interactive art. I’m hoping to connect with creators who are here because they believe in that magic too—who want to make something beautiful, meaningful, and creatively fulfilling together.

Open Positions

Artist / Animator

  • 2D hand-drawn art & animation (digitally rendered)
  • Character, creature, and environment design (stylized bugs, fantasy creatures, rich natural backdrops)
  • Sprite sheets, textures, tilesets

Dream Features (stretch goals):

  • Backgrounds inspired by 80s/90s animated films (flat-colored characters on painted environments)
  • Short fully animated cutscenes for major moments (reveals, transitions, etc.)

Closed Positions

Composer / Sound Designer

  • Strong grasp of music theorytonal/modal composition, and emotional storytelling through music
  • No live instruments required—high-quality VSTs are perfect
  • Sound design is a major plus! I’ve been relying on CC resources so far, and could use help crafting a more distinct and immersive soundscape

Dream Features (stretch goals):

  • Familiarity with Celtic instruments or motifs to help deepen the cultural flavor of the world

What If Your Role Isn’t Listed?

Got a skill you think would help Mothwing come to life—even if it's not listed above? Please still reach out. I’d love to hear your ideas and find creative ways to collaborate.

Potential Compensation

Mothwing is being built with the intent to monetize on release. With hard work and a little luck, it could find its place in the indie space. If revenue is generated, I’m fully open to discussing fair compensation for contributors. For now, this is a labor of love—and I’m seeking those who feel the same.

Interested?

Let’s talk. If any part of this vision excites you, please reach out either here or at sixwingdev@hotmail.com

I will also be making a discord account relatively soon which will be updated here when it happens.

Prototype Showcase

All audio in this video is placeholder creative commons resources. Everything else is done by me.


Concept Art

Here’s some early concept art. I’m not a professional artist, but it’s helped solidify the style and tone I’m aiming for:

Final Thoughts

This world has lived in my head for years. Now, it’s starting to take shape—and with your help, it could grow into something truly special.

Are you looking for translators?

At a certain point I will be probably, not yet though.

Hey! I’m a composer and orchestrator, and your project sounds really interesting. I’d love to chat and see if we can kick off a collaboration. Also, I noticed you’re looking for someone familiar with Celtic themes and instruments — I’m a huge Irish music lover, and I even worked on creating a VST library of Renaissance sounds that could fit perfectly!

Here’s my portfolio:

https://play.reelcrafter.com/gSBMeRurTi2o0cuXb2eOow

And here a link to an example of Rinascimento library:

https://on.soundcloud.com/McYqngYPAtRzcQrq5

Positions are still open for anyone who is interested.

This caught my eye, i gotta say. Im a fan of Hollow Knight, i just prefer an even more painterly style. What sort of style are you going for? Hollow Knight with bold outlines? Rayman with its rimlighting on smooth rendered characters? I have a post up, some examples in there, my style is very "clean" and quirky, but i do like the concept here.

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My dream style would be something akin to 80/90s animated stuff with the painted environments and flat colored animated characters. Since Redwall is one of my inspirations, I'll use a shot from the show as an example.

Something akin to this, just a top down game perspective and bolder lines. Though, not having the painted environments is not a deal breaker for me, might be a little difficult to pull off, But its part of my dream vision.

Good Afternoon, 

I'm a composer with a degree in music technology and composition, and I'd love to help compose music for your game! I also ave a portfolio if you're interested. Contact me for more info

Absolutely. Let's talk. Do you have an email?

Yeah! Its avaj5@icloud.com

Looks like positions are still open. 

I'll also be starting a devlog relatively soon.

Hello I am primarily a sound designer if you are open to having someone individually work on that.

As an avid Hollow Knight and metroidvania fan I certainly like your project and vision.

Outside of just doing game jams and my own personal portfolio reels, Ive been really trying to collaborate with more inspired devs and join in on a project.

Feel free to reach out if you just want to chat and discuss more on the scope of sounds you envision for your game.

Check out my portfolio at https://www.hovsarkissian.com/

Your portfolio is certainly impressive. I would very much like to have a chat with you.

Thanks! You can either email me at hovsarkissian@gmail.com  or add me on discord (username: tandapata)

hi, i don't have a portfolio yet as i'm relatively new to producing game music, but i'm very interested in creating character themes, and i'd love to be a part of the team.

I have started a devlog

https://itch.io/t/4839562/mothwing-2d-dark-fantasy-adventure-game-with-insects