Stop. Water the Roses

Games For Change University Student Challenge 2025

ABOUT

Stop. Water the Roses is a relaxing casual 2D platform puzzle adventure game that focuses on being more mindful and appreciative about the nature in one's environment. Take photos to identify plants, stay still to broaden your perception of your environment, and water plants to gain plant powerups. Where most games emphasize flashy movement, this platformer game requires standing still and (hopefully) some mindfulness.

THEME: NURTURE YOURSELF WITH NATURE

The game is about a character who has eco-anxiety about climate change. The game's title is its first instruction. When designing for social impact, it's good to have players carry out the desired habit. Our players must stop and take time to appreciate the beauty of nature. This reveals the beautiful flora in the level. 

By having the players water the plants to receive their power, they are rewarded as they care for nature. It also depicts a reciprocal relationship with nature.

INSPIRATION

A few of us on the team were inspired by our University's Horticultural Therapy program. We do mindfulness exercises and do a horticultural activity to reset and rejuvenate our wellness each week. When we heard about this challenge, we thought it would be a great way to bring in our experiences and share what we know. 

At GDC, some of our members participated in the Climate Crisis Workshop. We learned about using games as a platform to instill your values and bring about positive environmental change. 

All of these factors, along with experiencing eco-anxiety first-hand, inspired us to participate.

Bugs/If You Get Stuck

- When using the seedbomb to place mushrooms, you can only click to place it on the player and their personal plant lens. Make sure to click somewhere on the plant lens that doesn't have another plant lens overlapping it.

- If you glitch out of bounds, you might have to restart or you can instead watch the full walkthrough.

- The regular jump height is fixed, so if you can't make it on top of a wall, you'll need some extra help.