Yir Yoront Guardian is a pixel art game inspired by the culture of the Australian Yir Yoront people. In this game, you must catch falling stone axes and steel axes, each representing tradition and modernity, and manage their balance. The dynamic scoring system is not just about points—it is a simulation of the real tension between preserving cultural heritage and embracing technological change.

Yir Yoront Guardian is a serious game by design. Rather than providing simple entertainment, it is built to provoke thought and foster understanding of cultural conflict, adaptation, and loss. The gameplay is an interactive case study: every player action mirrors the real-world dilemmas faced by societies in transition. The project’s analytical framework—centered on cultural assumptions, communication, technology, work processes, and organizational systems—translates complex social dynamics into accessible, hands-on experience.

What sets this project apart is my use of AI throughout development. I generated all game art assets with AI, which allowed for rapid iteration and gave the game a distinctive visual identity. I also built the entire codebase efficiently using Cursor, streamlining the production process and freeing up more time for creative strategy. This integration of advanced tools reflects my commitment to both innovation and high-quality execution.

It is a tool for education, reflection, and dialogue about the impact of innovation on tradition, and the strategic choices required to maintain cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.

Play it below!