Known Mysteries is a lo-fi climate fable that runs off a solar-powered server on its developer’s balcony

Kara Stone, known for developing Ritual Of The Moon, a game played in short bursts over a lunar cycle, is now set to release Known Mysteries on October 23rd. This new project is part of Stone’s exploration of locally-generated renewable power, running off a solar-powered server she has set up on her balcony in Calgary, Canada.

Known Mysteries is a climate change fable where a woman confronts the actions of an oil-tech corporation in her small Canadian town. The game is designed to be low-carbon, with compressed images and video, a low frame rate, and divided into three streamable chapters.

Stone’s focus on utilizing solar power for her projects challenges the always-on recreational culture, emphasizing that constant access to a game is not crucial. The server is even powered by a car battery, allowing for overnight operation.

Known Mysteries, developed with programmer Chris Kerich and voice actor PARTYGIRL, features music from Amateur Painter. Stone’s solar server project opens up possibilities for unique “solar” genres in the future.