Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley – An Unexpected Platform for Environmental Activism
Discover how Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley, a family-friendly game, unexpectedly promotes environmental activism through its charming narrative and gameplay. Explore the game’s reception and its underlying message of resistance against overpolicing and the preservation of nature.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley – An Unexpected Platform for Environmental Activism
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley, a family-friendly game developed by Hyper Games, has unexpectedly gained attention for its underlying message of environmental activism. Inspired by the beloved Moomin franchise created by Finnish cartoonist Tove Jansson, the game features Snufkin, a beloved character known for his anti-authoritarian spirit. As players immerse themselves in the charming world of Moominvalley, they discover Snufkin’s proactive objections to an overpoliced society, leading to a resurgence of the franchise’s long-held philosophies.
( Credit to: Wired )
The Game’s Narrative:
Set in the whimsical world of Moominvalley, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley follows Snufkin’s return after a winter spent exploring the world. However, upon his arrival, Snufkin discovers that Moomintroll has been indefinitely arrested due to his attempts to reason with the police. Snufkin’s main objective becomes undermining the Park Keeper, a haughty hemulen determined to transform the valley into a controlled environment. The Park Keeper’s plans include monoculture lawns, caged animals, a destructive dam, and an abundance of signs dictating how nature should be enjoyed. In response, Snufkin takes matters into his own hands, engaging in direct action to restore the valley’s natural beauty.
The Game’s Reception:
Since its release on Steam and Nintendo Switch, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley has garnered a devoted following. Players quickly recognized the game’s underlying themes of resistance and environmental activism. Vulture described Snufkin as an “adorable ecoterrorist” with an energy reminiscent of “no gods, no masters.” Fans on various platforms have celebrated Snufkin’s affinity for criminality, while Reddit users have embraced his explicit anarchist philosophy. While these themes have always been present in Tove Jansson’s work, their portrayal in a children’s game on the Switch has brought them to light in a fresh and impactful way.
The Game’s Political Agenda
Hyper Games, the developers of Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley, did not intentionally set out to promote a radical political agenda through the game. The direction of the game involved discussions with the franchise’s rights holders, Moomin Characters Ltd, which is chaired by Tove’s niece, Sophia Jansson. The aim was to stay true to the existing Moomin content and not introduce significant deviations. Snufkin’s actions in the game, such as removing park signs and challenging the Park Keeper’s authority, are inspired by events that could have taken place within the Moomin canon. The game’s focus was primarily on capturing Snufkin’s character and staying faithful to Tove Jansson’s original stories.
Conclusion
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley has unexpectedly become a platform for environmental activism, resonating with players who appreciate the game’s underlying message of resistance against overpolicing and the preservation of nature. While Hyper Games did not intend to create a politically charged or environmentally themed game, the incorporation of Snufkin’s character and Tove Jansson’s stories naturally led to these themes. The game’s success in highlighting these ideas has sparked discussions among fans and brought renewed attention to the long-standing philosophies of the Moomin franchise.