Runaway Play

Runaway Play is a video game developer and publisher based in Dunedin, New Zealand, creating nature-inspired games for mobile and PC audiences. Its work focuses on cozy, relaxing simulation experiences, combining wildlife themes, environmental storytelling, and “tend-and-befriend” mechanics. Players nurture habitats, care for animals, and build collections through games designed around gentle progression rather than aggressive competition.

The studio’s catalogue spans butterfly and moth sanctuaries, marine ecosystems, animal rescue settings, and forest restoration. Games such as Flutter: Butterfly Sanctuary, Flutter: Starlight, Splash, Furistas Cat Cafe, and Old Friends Dog Game reflect its interest in translating the natural world into approachable interactive experiences. Other releases include Bird Kind, Honey Grove, Bunny Haven, and Bird BnB. Its work also extends beyond mobile simulation: Flutter Away takes players into an Amazon rainforest setting through a cozy nature-exploration narrative, while Flutter VR brought nature exploration to Google Daydream.

Development and publishing

Runaway Play develops casual simulation, idle, and merge games, supporting free-to-play releases through ongoing live operations and in-game events. Its development capabilities cover concept creation, game design, narrative, 2D and 3D art, animation, client and server programming, and quality assurance. The studio works across iOS, Android, PC, and subscription platforms, including Netflix Games and Apple Arcade.

Alongside its internally developed catalogue, the company offers boutique mobile publishing partnerships for external indie developers. These services cover user acquisition, monetization design, app store optimization, marketing, customer support, and live-operations guidance.

The business began in 2009 as an interactive division within Natural History New Zealand, drawing on that company’s wildlife documentary background. It subsequently became a separately incorporated company and developed a self-publishing model. Following ownership changes involving Blue Ant Media, RACAT Group reacquired Runaway Play in 2020. The studio continues to operate as the group’s interactive entertainment subsidiary.