Barzakh: Star Gardener

About this game

Latest news

• Announcements·29 Dec 2025Official

  Devlog #2: Desert Optimization, Audio & Systems Overhaul

  Hello Cosmic Explorers!We have been working hard to strengthen the foundation of Barzakh: Star Gardener. This update focuses on significant performance boosts, immersive audio design, and stabilizing the game's core systems.Here are the patch notes:🏜️ Desert Optimization & VisualsPerformance Boost: The "flying sand system" was removed to improve stability.Footprint System: Introduced a new footprint system that maintains immersion while providing a +20 FPS boost.Realistic Terrain: Material blending settings have been fine-tuned for a more realistic sand appearance.🔊 Dynamic Audio & AtmosphereDynamic Footsteps: The character now produces different sounds based on the surface (sand, metal, stone) and action (running, crouching, jumping).Musical Texture: New ambient tones and musical cues fitting the narrative have been added.Fixes: Audio balance issues in the opening scene and plane crash sequence have been resolved.🌊 Gameplay & MechanicsInteractive Water: Switched to a physics-based interactive water system for future puzzle mechanics.Climbing: Climbing animations integrated to enhance exploration.Charon: Dialogue system complete, including alternative choices that impact the flow.🛠️ System & UIInventory (Critical Fix): Bugs caused by item variety were creating issues. The code has been rewritten with new conditions, making the system much more stable.UI Overhaul: The main menu has been completely redesigned, and known UI bugs have been fixed.Thank you for your support!
  Read full article on Community Announcements (han23studio)

• Announcements·9 Aug 2025Official

  Barzakh: Star Gardener - First Playtest Now Live!

  Hello, cosmic explorers!We’re thrilled to announce that the first Barzakh: Star Gardener playtest is now available on Steam! This early build offers a 10-minute glimpse into the core player control systems and fundamental mechanics, setting the stage for our surreal, star-hunting adventure. You’ll also get a taste of the game’s unique environment and atmosphere, inspired by the journey to find hidden stars across mystical universes.What’s in the Playtest?Core Systems: Experience the foundational movement, inventory, and puzzle mechanics.Charon’s Introduction: Meet Charon in their animation-free form, a work-in-progress glimpse of our protagonist.Airplane Sequence: Test a thrilling 1-minute airplane piloting segment, crafted with weeks of dedication.Atmospheric Preview: Immerse yourself in the early environment that sets the tone for Barzakh.What to ExpectThis playtest is a compact 10-minute experience, showcasing the groundwork before our full demo. There’s no further progression after the 10-minute mark, so no need to push beyond—it’s all about getting a feel for the core gameplay!Our VisionIn the full game, we plan to weave in diverse systems like shooting, enemy evasion, farming, and horseback riding, spread across a longer, richer experience. The airplane sequence is just one example of the unique, bite-sized mechanics we’re integrating to keep every moment fresh and engaging.Feedback Wanted!This playtest is our first step, and your thoughts are invaluable. Jump in, explore, and let us know how the gameplay feels on Steam discussions or our community channels. Your feedback will shape Barzakh’s journey!Thank you for joining us in these early stars. Stay tuned for more updates!
  Read full article on Community Announcements (han23studio)

• Announcements·3 Jul 2025Official

  Announcement: Process Planning!

  Hello Barzakh community,I am Emirhan Güngörmez from Han Interactive Entertainment and the creator of Barzakh: The Star Gardener. With a small but passionate team, I am thrilled to announce that Barzakh is now live on Steam! Inspired by the poetic spirit of The Little Prince and Sufi mysticism, this game tells the spiritual journey of pilot Emir following a plane crash in the desert. Today, I’d like to share our plans leading up to the Steam Next Fest in October and the unique world of Barzakh, particularly how the deep meanings of the Arabic language breathe life into it.The Path to Next Fest: Our PlansThe Steam Next Fest in October is a turning point for us. During this time, we are planning three playtests to shape Barzakh together with you. Your feedback will play a key role in perfecting the game’s soul and mechanics.First Playtest: Focused on an initial experience with a short task. We will test the core mechanics and seek to understand how the story and atmosphere feel to you. Your feedback will strengthen the game’s foundation.Second Playtest: Aiming for improvements in gameplay and visual effects. We will work to make puzzles more fluid and intuitive, deepening your experience.Third Playtest: Scheduled just before the Next Fest demo. This will be the final rehearsal to finalize the demo, with every detail carefully crafted to immerse you in the experience.At Next Fest, we will present a 30-35 minute demo. This demo will reflect Barzakh’s essence: short, impactful, and memorable. Our first demo is incredibly important to us; it’s not just for players but also an opportunity to connect with publishers and investors. The impact we create at Next Fest will shape Barzakh’s future. We are already prepared to receive feedback from interested publishers, and your support empowers us on this journey.The Unique World of Barzakh and the Deep Meaning of ArabicBarzakh: The Star Gardener is more than a game—it’s a journey of discovery and inner transformation. The term “B...
  Read full article on Community Announcements (han23studio)