Exclusive Interview with Starsand Island Developers

Sometimes, the right cozy game can feel like one of the most important things in your life. These types of games have the unique ability, unlike anything else, to completely suck you in and transport you somewhere different for as long as you please. Things like an endless nature and tons of charm, activities, and comforting vibes can sometimes be exactly what we're looking for as players.

The latest game to try to enter this same space in your gaming library is Starsand Island, a cozy life sim where you can step away from the hustle and bustle of the city in order to recharge and relax in the scenic countryside of China. I've spent several hours with the game already ahead of its Early Access release on February 11th, and I can definitely say that the game has me hooked.

As such, I was very interested to chat with the team at Seed Sparkle Lab, the game's developers, to learn more about the upcoming title. If you're also curious about this one, read on below to gain some new information from Golton Goa, the game's technical director and producer, and Richardo Wang, another producer on the team.

Interview with Golton Gao and Richardo Wang from Seed Sparkle Lab

Q: What’s the pitch for Starsand Island? On the surface, it looks like it has major appeal to players that enjoy games like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, etc. Is this the player group you’re hoping to capture with Starsand Island?

Richardo: Starsand Island is a warm and healing life simulation game where players can freely build their dream island, farm, fish, explore, and interact with adorable villagers and animals.

Of course, we hope to attract players who love classics such as Harvest Moon, My Time at Portia, My Time at Sandrock, and Stardew Valley — they are the earliest and most outstanding pioneers of this genre. At the same time, we also want Starsand Island to appeal to everyone who enjoys creativity and freedom, allowing each player to find their own joy within the game.

Q: Deep customization of the island seems like a large focus of the game. Will players be able to customize the entire layout of the island and the villages within, or is customization relegated to more specific/pre-determined areas?

Golton: Completely free! You can shape the entire island layout, build homes, decorate interiors, rearrange terrain, and design blueprints with one click. We wanted players to feel like every corner truly belongs to them.

Q: What’s going to set Starsand Island apart from some other farming/life simulator titles?

Richardo: Starsand Island stands out in three main ways:

1. Art Style – Bright and Expressive Anime Aesthetics

We use a vivid, anime-inspired cartoon rendering style that gives the world a warm, lively atmosphere distinct from most farming sims on the market. Every scene feels colorful, dynamic, and full of life.

2. Storytelling – Deep, Character-Driven Narratives

Unlike traditional slice‑of‑life games, our storylines go deeper. Each villager has their own dreams, struggles, and personal goals, creating emotional connections and meaningful interactions that grow over time.

3. Gameplay – Evolution, Creativity, and Freedom

Farming in Starsand Island is more than just planting and harvesting. We focus on diversity and evolution—crops can mutate, hybridize, or even display unique traits like glowing or making sounds. Animals also have genetic variations and behaviors that shape your farm ecosystem. In addition, our highly flexible DIY system lets players design and build their ideal homestead and lifestyle with true creative freedom.

Q: I’m curious about the combat and boss battles we’ve seen in trailers and some promotional images. What’s the purpose of combat in the game, and how much of a focus is it in the grand scheme of the game overall?

Golton: Combat is part of the island’s adventure experience—it gives players reasons to explore ruins, fight monsters, or protect the island. It’s not the main focus, but adds excitement and rewards for those who enjoy exploration.

Q: As a gamer, I love when titles help me learn and experience cultures outside of where I’m from. Can I expect to learn more about Chinese culture at all from playing Starsand Island?

Richardo: Absolutely — and in a very organic way. Starsand Island’s core design is deeply influenced by Daoist philosophy, especially the concept of “great usefulness born from a state of no intention.” This idea shapes how different gameplay systems connect with each other in a natural balance.

For example, chickens eat crop pests, helping with farming. Rabbits graze on weeds to keep fields tidy. Animal waste can be turned into useful feed or fertilizer.

Everything in the ecosystem supports something else — a reflection of Daoist harmony between all living things.

Players will also encounter many elements inspired by Chinese traditions, such as:

Distinctive ethnic costumes and traditional folk dances. Practices rooted in China’s 5,000‑year health culture, like Baduanjin and Tai Chi, representing Chinese kung fu and wellness philosophy. A Daoist character who observes the stars and calendars, hinting at the origins of the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar.

Through these details, players can subtly experience the rhythm, wisdom, and aesthetics of Chinese life and philosophy while simply enjoying their island journey.

Q: Crossing 550,000 wishlists on Steam is a huge achievement, congratulations! Is there any added feeling of pressure/apprehension in the development process when you see this much initial player interest, or is it really just exciting to see those high numbers come in?

Golton: Both! (laughs) It’s amazing motivation, but of course, we feel the weight of expectations. Mostly, it’s gratitude—we’re thrilled so many players are waiting for us. It pushes us to make the island even better.

Q: The NPC Affection System within the game seems much more detailed and complex than others I’ve seen before, specifically with characters sometimes going out of their way to pursue connecting with you instead of the player always doing the legwork. How many different affection/relationship routes can players expect?

Richardo: There are plenty! Each villager has their own personality, routine, and emotional growth. As you build connections, they may even take the initiative to approach you—to chat, give gifts. We want every friendship to feel as natural as real ones, not just a matter of “grinding affection points.”

Q: Is there an overall story and way to “beat” Starsand Island, or is the goal for the game to be open-ended for players to spend time in indefinitely?

Golton: It’s more like a cozy home than a mission. There’s no strict ending—you just find your own pace. You can chase achievements or simply watch the sunrise, plant flowers, and spend time with your animals. We want players to feel free to live however they like here.

Q: I love the idea of the longboard, riding on animals, and gliding with birds to traverse the island. Can we imply from these faster/more efficient modes of transportation that the scale of the island is larger than we might be used to in similar titles?

Richardo: Exactly! The island is quite expansive, with different biomes and resources across regions. That’s why we added various modes of travel—from relaxed skateboarding to soaring through the sky on bird companions—so exploration feels both fun and effortless. Starsand Island is filled with distinctive landmarks that enrich both gameplay and the player’s emotional journey:

Glowing Moon Forest – A mysterious area rich in diverse mineral resources, guarded by small creatures and powerful bosses. It’s also home to rare plants waiting to be collected—perfect for explorers and adventurers.

Cloudrest Lake – A tranquil bamboo‑lined lake where players can chop bamboo and enjoy peaceful moments. Once your life rank reaches a certain stage, you can even purchase the surrounding land to expand your homestead.

Mount Qingcheng – A sacred, aura‑filled mountain hiding ancient ruins and unopened storylines. It carries the promise of future discoveries and deeper lore.

Yueyang Tower – A historic tower where you can climb to overlook the entire island. It’s a breathtaking viewpoint and also plays a key role in upcoming plot missions.

Each location offers its own atmosphere, materials, and surprises—inviting players not only to gather resources but also to slow down, explore, and truly feel the island’s spirit.

Q: The farming here looks particularly in-depth, specifically with the ability to craft robot-companions to help with farming duties. Can these assistants make it so that farming is completely automated at a certain point?

Golton: Yes! Farming evolves from simple hand tools to advanced machines and smart robots. You can design your own automation system and turn your land into a highly efficient dream farm. Of course, you can still grab a hoe anytime if you miss the hands‑on feeling—it’s all up to you.

Q: Do you have any messages or themes you’re hoping come across in Starsand Island?

Richardo: We want to share the idea that it’s okay to slow down. The game is about relaxation, creativity, and gentle connections—with people, animals, and nature. It’s our love letter to peaceful living and small joys.

At the same time, we hope players will feel that every life choice has its own meaning. There’s no single right way to live; what matters is the experience itself. The meaning of life lies in life itself.

Q: Anything else we haven’t touched on that you’d like to share with the readers?

Golton: We’re building Starsand Island as a truly free and surprising life‑sim world. Beyond farming, fishing, and raising pets, you’ll find mini‑games, scratch cards, seasonal festivals, and even music performances. You can also freely DIY and design your dream countryside life—create the cozy home, garden, or farm you’ve always imagined. We can’t wait for everyone to join us on the island and make it their own little paradise.

Starsand Island Launches into Early Access Soon

For those that are ready to jump into the cozy life immediately, you thankfully don't have to wait too much longer at all! Starsand Island launches into Early Access on February 11th in North America, though you'll want to check your local release time to verify exactly when you can get started.

While the game remains in Early Access, it will be playable on PC and Xbox. Players on other consoles will have to wait for the eventual full release of the game. If you'd like to learn more details and follow along yourself, be sure to check out the game's Steam page.