Cloudsphere: A High-Flying Fusion of Artistry and Innovative Deckbuilding

This article explores an innovative deckbuilder that draws on diverse artistic influences to create a unique gaming experience. It highlights how smaller creative studios continue to break new ground, even when mainstream titles dazzle with state-of-the-art graphics and endless customization.

The game takes inspiration from iconic works such as Final Fantasy IX, the visual narratives of Moebius, and the adventurous spirit of Treasure Planet. In a landscape where blockbuster titles often repeat familiar formulas, this project stands out by emphasizing design and artistic vision, ensuring that a game’s style and sound leave a lasting impact.

During a visit to Madeira, the head of Laki Studio discussed how visual art and narrative form the core of his team’s work while developing this new title, Cloudsphere. Set in a universe where airships serve as transport, habitation, and a means to engage in combat, the game reinvents the deckbuilding genre. In this title, the vessel you command doubles as your customizable deck. Players travel through a fantastical realm dotted with ruins—including remnants of an ancient city devastated by a colossal creature called Altul—collecting ship parts and modules. They must then assemble their own customized ship, engage with hostile pirates and monstrous sea creatures, and navigate dangerous maelstroms on the planet’s edges.

The adventure weaves together themes of airborne voyages and cosmic encounters reminiscent of classic tales of exploration. The studio aims for a playful, light-hearted tone despite the background of a world transformed by a severe calamity. The narrative centers on a crew of quirky, wandering robots who embody the spirit of underdog adventurers. The creative influences behind the game are varied and deep-rooted, including:

• Animated adventures like Treasure Planet and mythic depictions in Atlantis
• The imaginative art of Moebius
• RPG classics that embrace engaging world-building, such as Final Fantasy IX

With a strong foundation in conceptual art, the studio was established six years ago with a vision to produce original, high-quality games that echo the designers' childhood fascinations and are informed by some of the most inspirational titles ever made. The full conversation behind these artistic choices is available in the complete interview, and enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing Cloudsphere on PC in 2026.