Hazel Hong’s Moon Palace

Awaken the Sleeping Garden

Super cities, like New York, make me anxious.

Autumn, 2023, I dreamed I was a bee—free, joyful, and full of purpose. Together with my animal friends, we worked to awaken an abandoned garden. When the dream faded at 4 a.m., I sprang out of bed, abandoning all other creative ideas I had planned for the semester. Before the first light of dawn, I began crafting this magical bee universe, pouring myself into it with unrelenting passion until the sunset reminded me I hadn’t eaten or drunk all day. Over the next 72 hours, I didn’t leave my apartment, feverishly sketching the framework of what would become Mini Garden. By the time I stepped outside again, it was Union Square’s Winter Market that greeted me—honey and pollen stalls everywhere—and, in that moment, I felt as if I had become the bee from my dream once more, surrounded by sweetness and peace.

As I delved deeper into the world of bees, I encountered the German concept of “Umwelt”—the unique sensory world that each creature experiences. A bee’s Umwelt is a kaleidoscope of ultraviolet blooms and pheromone trails, entirely different from our human perspective. This concept resonated deeply with me, shaping the design of Mini Garden. Through this game, I hope to invite players to step into the sensory world of bees, embracing the beauty of diversity, the warmth of inclusion, and the profound realization that there are countless ways to experience the world while treat their inner world.

Mini Garden is more than just a game. It is an invitation to reconnect with nature, cultivate calm within ourselves, and rediscover beauty in collaboration and care. In this enchanting world, players transform into bees to rebuild an abandoned garden, nurture its life, and unlock its wonders—all while experiencing the intricate connections between plants, animals, and the ecosystem…

—— Hazel Hong ——
2025.01.08

To Potential Partners

Now, let’s talk about the elephant—or rather, the bee—in the room. You might wonder: Why am I sharing so much of my concept so openly? The answer is simple—my passion and vision are unique, just like a bee’s dance. They cannot be replaced or replicated. That said, I do harbor one fear: not of being overshadowed, but of my idea being copied by an incapable team, leading to a half-baked execution that wastes the potential of this extraordinary vision. So, if you’re here with big dreams, serious skills, and a shared love for this magical world, I invite you to join me in bringing Mini Garden to life.

Together, we can amplify this story, create something truly beautiful, and offer a platform for players to find not only entertainment but also a connection to their own inner gardens. If this world inspires you as it does me, let’s join hands. Let’s be bees together.

—— Hazel Hong ——
2025.01.08