October 16, 2023, 9:02 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
As the gaming industry currently faces some challenges, new ideas are needed. This is where the mobile game “Zeedz” comes in, which is why founder Sven Junglas presents it on the investment show “Die Höhle der Löwen” (The Lion’s Den). TECHBOOK has tested the game.
The mobile game “Zeedz” aims to combine the fun of gaming with the fight against climate change. Founder Sven Junglas relies on an interesting concept for this. “Zeedz” combines playful challenges with educational content and real weather phenomena from around the world. On “Die Höhle der Löwen” (DHDL; VOX, 8:15 p.m., Oct. 16, 2023), the Berlin-based company and its mobile game were presented to the investors. Junglas sought 600,000 euros for ten percent of the company’s shares. In the end, the company received the requested amount–for the first time, all investors made a joint offer. TECHBOOK has already taken a closer look at the game “Zeedz” in a test.
What is Zeedz Anyway?
In “Zeedz”–which certainly looks catchier than the original word “Seeds”–everything revolves around nature and weather themes. Behind the title are colorful little creatures that join forces to fight against the evil Lord CO the Second, who causes extreme weather phenomena all over the Earth.
To do this, players must plant various Zeedles and optimally adapt to different weather zones. “Zeedz” relies on proven concepts such as entertaining small round battles and an intuitive reward system.
It is also the first mobile game where it’s not about a “pay to win” principle, but “play for purpose.” In “pay to win,” players spend money to obtain special weapons that make playing easier. “Play for purpose” aims to have a real effect that serves a charitable goal–this is also the focus of “Zeedz.” Ten percent of the company’s revenue and 50 percent of the profits from the in-game marketplace go to green non-profit projects worldwide.
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Mobile Game Zeedz in Review
The concept of “Zeedz” is certainly intriguing. That’s why TECHBOOK has already tested the mobile game in its iOS version.
Zeedles for the Win
Everything begins with a gathering of the quite cute Zeedles, who are awaiting the arrival of a new seed creature. Players can then choose directly between the three basic types: Rainy, Sunny, and Windy. Each Zeedle brings its own type-specific abilities–and these are needed right away.
Because the evil CO the Second invades with his monster army, which must now be fought. “Zeedz” uses familiar mechanisms like type strengths and weaknesses. Players must assemble a Zeedle army to contain weather phenomena worldwide.
Players plant Zeedles adapted to the terrain all over the world map. The special feature: The creatures grow not only through the player’s care but also through real-world weather occurrences in real-time in the respective region. If it’s too dry, for example, players will notice it in their Zeedles. By learning about the respective region and ways to reduce CO2, players can counteract this to some extent.
And the attacks from Lord CO2 are also linked to real extreme weather phenomena. According to founder Junglas, there are already over 3,000 of these per year. “Zeedz” accesses international weather data in real-time for this.
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Colorful Nature and Catchy Tunes
What immediately stands out are the diversely designed colorful Zeedles, which are central to the game. Various types are available. To create a balanced group, it’s worth truly understanding the types.
The Zeedles are also the app’s big selling point. The intricately designed creatures come in various versions. A special edition in advance costs up to $2,000–this is how the game was financed even before its official release.
The mobile game also relies on intuitive, clear processes. As it stands, it is a really clean and uncluttered app. The whole thing is combined with a relaxing, catchy soundtrack.
Our Test Conclusion on Zeedz
Zeedz on DHDL
“Our goal is to support the fight against climate change by combining gaming fun with purpose,” says founder Sven Junglas. He conceived and developed the game together with Benjamin Ebner in 2021.
The hope is for a large target audience. In Germany alone, over 30 million people play regularly, and there are over 3 billion active gamers worldwide. Interest in topics like climate change is also growing. The calculation could work out.
“Zeedz” managed to convince all five investors. That’s why Ralf Dümmel, Nils Glagau, Carsten Maschmeyer, Tillmann Schulz, and Dagmar Wöhrl jointly offer the 600,000 euros. In return, the investors demand 5 percent of the company’s shares–each. A first in the TV show “Die Höhle der Löwen.” In consultation with his co-founder, Junglas accepted the offer.