Filipino indie game studio Team Soleil is set to launch Dogwood, an action role-playing game (ARPG) that intertwines cooking with a heartfelt narrative about community rebuilding.
A Unique Approach to Storytelling
We wanted to tell a story about those who didn’t win the war. Those who had to live with the consequences and do the best they can despite them.
Team Soleil
- Developed by three siblings: Krystell, Aiole, and Kai Castro
- Focuses on community rather than traditional heroism
- Incorporates personal experiences and cultural identity
The game follows Doug, a dog navigating a world reshaped by conflict between plants and animals. Unlike typical RPGs centered on grand quests, Dogwood focuses on day-to-day life, exploring themes of recovery and belonging.
Team Soleil, comprised of siblings Krystell, Aiole, and Kai Castro, started developing Dogwood during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project gained momentum after winning the Young Creatives Challenge in 2025, which provided essential funding.
Initially marketed as a restaurant simulator, the team shifted to labeling it a cooking RPG. They realized the core of the game was not about restaurant management but the connection between cooking and community.
Players will interact with named characters, each with unique storylines, while helping Doug establish his place in New Meadow. This interaction builds a rich narrative tapestry that deepens the gaming experience.
The siblings' multicultural upbringing, living between the Philippines and the United States, heavily influenced the game's themes. They aim to convey the complexities of cultural identity through Doug’s journey.
The pandemic also played a role in shaping the game’s cooking mechanics, as Krystell began recreating family dishes during lockdown. These culinary moments added emotional depth to the gameplay.
As players navigate the game, they will find that cooking is integral not just to survival but also to building relationships and fostering community in a recovering world.
The development of Dogwood highlights a growing trend among Filipino game developers who are increasingly pursuing original concepts. Yet, the challenge remains to gain recognition for game development as a legitimate career path.