Duck S.O.S.

As a captain navigating cruisers, launches, and ferryboats, I had the privilege of witnessing the boundless beauty of nature on the surrounding waters. Amid this splendor, I found myself deeply moved by the resilience of ducks—a creature that, despite its fragility, demonstrates an unyielding will to survive. Ducks are an essential part of the ecosystem, feeding countless species from alligators to larger birds, yet their lives are filled with trials that test their endurance.

Each season, my coworkers and I would watch with hope as a new brood of ducklings paddled into the world. Starting with a lively dozen, their numbers would dwindle—seven, four, three—and finally, one solitary duckling. Still, that lone little one, often playing apart from its group, carried on with an innocent determination, even as it forgot the siblings it had lost.

There were always the hardheaded ones, the ducklings their mothers seemed to know wouldn’t make it. Their cries, raw and heartbreaking, served as a reminder of how fragile yet courageous life can be. Through it all, I came to see these ducks not just as creatures of the wild, but as symbols of perseverance.

This experience inspired me to imagine a game that could tell their story—a game that would not only educate but also offer players a sense of connection and responsibility. By helping the ducklings survive in this digital world, I hope to spark empathy, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the struggles of even the smallest beings.