November 6, 2024 – Ottawa, Canada – Orna, the fan-favorite location-based RPG from Northern Forge Studios, has just been shortlisted as a finalist in three categories at the prestigious Green Game Jam 2024. As part of the Playing for the Planet Alliance, the Green Game Jam highlights games that emphasize environmental awareness and real-world impact, both of which Orna has delivered in spades through its latest in-game events. This recognition not only celebrates the connection between gaming and sustainability but also draws attention to the creative design decisions that have been at the core of Orna since its inception.
For those unfamiliar, Orna: The GPS RPG merges turn-based RPG mechanics with real-world map integration, similar in style to Niantic’s Pokémon GO but with a heavier focus on classic RPG elements. Players navigate the world, battle monsters, and conquer territories based on their actual geographic location. But what truly sets Orna apart is its ever-engaging community and the constant stream of content updates that continue to evolve the player experience. This is the second year Northern Forge Studios has participated in the Green Game Jam, and they’ve gone all out once again with their environmental-themed content.
Green Game Jam 2024 Categories
Orna’s latest in-game activation centered on environmental dangers, with gameplay mechanics that revolve around restoring forests and cleaning oceans. This effort to mix gameplay with environmental activism landed the game finalist spots in three categories:
- Best Environmental Awareness Campaign
- Most Creative Use of Location Technologies
- Community Impact Award
The addition of environmentally focused events brought a much-welcomed, refreshing layer to Orna. Players are tasked with restoring balance to a world where deforestation and pollution have decimated the land, and players can actually take steps (both in-game and in real life) to directly affect the global state of the game’s world. Through real-life positive environmental actions, players are rewarded in-game with exclusive gear, new quest lines, and rare monster encounters. The team at Northern Forge Studios worked closely with environmental experts to ensure these events offered educational value without compromising the core fun that keeps players hooked.
Orna’s Community: A Driving Force
One of the reasons Orna has achieved such recognition is its passionate player base that’s always ready to jump in and support new initiatives. Whether it’s through the game’s official Discord server or the ever-active Reddit community, players frequently share strategies, organize events, and take part in group activities that add a level of camaraderie you don’t always see in typical RPGs. This latest achievement is undoubtedly fueled by how much the community has embraced the environmental content, reinforcing Northern Forge’s belief in the power of player involvement.
With Orna’s subreddit (r/OrnaRPG) and Discord channels (join here) buzzing about the upcoming awards and what’s next for the game, it’s clear this is more than just a mobile RPG—it’s a game that’s made a place for itself in the hearts of players who care just as much about real-world issues as they do about crafting the next legendary weapon.
Tips for New Players
Thinking of jumping into Orna for the first time? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
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Know Your Surroundings: Since Orna is a location-based game, make sure you check out your local area. Certain monsters, dungeons, and territory battles can vary significantly based on your actual GPS location, so explore thoroughly.
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Pick the Right Class: Orna offers a wide array of job classes, from traditional Warriors and Mages to more unique roles like Arcanists and Sentinels. Each class has its strengths and weaknesses. If you’re just starting, try experimenting with different classes to find the playstyle that suits you best.
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Join a Kingdom: Kingdoms are groups of players that allow collaboration and shared resources. They also provide buffs, access to community buildings, and the ability to participate in world battles—almost like a guild feature but closely tied to geographic locations.
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Don’t Ignore Quests: Quests in Orna are an excellent way to level up while teaching you the basics of the game. Pay attention to the different quest lines, as they’ll guide you through mechanics like upgrading equipment and tackling bosses.
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Stay Engaged: The game is constantly evolving with new events and seasonal updates. Keep an eye on Orna’s official Twitter and to get the latest news and event details.
Conclusion
With Orna’s innovative approach to gameplay and its meaningful embrace of environmental issues, it’s no wonder the game has landed recognition at the Green Game Jam 2024. Whether you’re a longtime player or curious newcomer, now is a fantastic time to dive into this ever-evolving world where both fantasy and real-world actions come together.
You can also download Orna on Android or iPhone to start your adventure today.
