Meet the Duo Behind Stepcraft

How two developers turned their daily walks into a magical RPG adventure

In a cozy home in The Hague, Netherlands, something magical is brewing – and it's not just the impressive espresso setup in Lisa and Raoul's kitchen. This dynamic duo is crafting Stepcraft, the walking RPG that's about to transform how we think about fitness and gaming.

A Perfect Partnership

Lisa, a frontend developer with a passion for pixel art, and Raoul, a backend developer who moonlights from his full-time role at Spotify, represent the perfect blend of technical expertise and creative vision. But their partnership goes deeper than just complementary coding skills – they're life partners who've discovered that working together is as natural as their daily lunch walks through the nearby Haagse Bos.

"We've worked in the same field for a long time, and we've been at home together for a long time," Lisa explains. "Working on Stepcraft together just feels fun and natural. We discuss features on our walks, and somehow we always end up on the same page about how things should work."

Their division of labor is beautifully simple: Raoul handles the backend architecture and systems, while Lisa crafts the frontend experience and creates the charming pixel art that brings Stepcraft's world to life. While many of the game's current assets are purchased placeholders, Lisa is steadily replacing them with her own handcrafted creations, adding a personal touch to every tree, flower, and magical creature players encounter.

The Personal Story Behind the Game

Stepcraft wasn't born from market research or trend analysis – it emerged from Lisa's personal journey with ADHD and the challenges many of us face with motivation and routine.

"I can play a video game for hours," Lisa shares, "but I struggle to be motivated to do things that are good for me. When you gamify it, suddenly it becomes exciting and engaging and rewarding."

This insight became the cornerstone of Stepcraft's design philosophy. After experiencing agoraphobia since COVID, Lisa discovered that gamification could be a powerful tool for encouraging positive behaviors. The idea was simple but revolutionary: what if the same engagement mechanics that keep us glued to our favorite games could motivate us to get outside, be active, and explore our neighborhoods?

Both Lisa and Raoul are avid gamers but found themselves increasingly sedentary due to their desk jobs and remote work lifestyle. Their solution? Turn their beloved lunch walks into the foundation for an entirely new type of gaming experience.

Inspiration from Gaming's Greatest

The influences behind Stepcraft read like a wishlist of gaming's most beloved experiences. The idle progression mechanics of Idle Iktah, the walking-based adventure of Walkscape, the epic scope of World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV, the guild systems of Guild Wars, and the cozy charm of Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and Spiritfarer all contributed to Stepcraft's unique DNA.

"We wanted to capture that feeling of progression and discovery that makes MMORPGs so addictive," Raoul explains, "but combine it with the gentle, nurturing experience of cozy games like Stardew Valley."

The result is a game that rewards consistent, gentle activity rather than intense gaming sessions – perfect for people who want the satisfaction of character progression without the pressure of competitive gameplay.

Building with React Native and Love

From a technical standpoint, Stepcraft is built using React Native, allowing the team to create a seamless experience across both iOS and Android platforms. But the real magic happens in how they've integrated step tracking to create a living, breathing world that responds to real-world movement.

The couple's daily routine often revolves around Stepcraft development. Morning coffee (served via their impressive espresso setup) might involve discussing new feature ideas, while their treasured lunch walks to visit the deer in Haagse Bos frequently turn into brainstorming sessions about quest design or character progression mechanics.

Accessibility and Inclusion

One of Stepcraft's most thoughtful features is its commitment to accessibility. Recognizing that traditional step-based gameplay might exclude players with mobility challenges, Lisa and Raoul are developing an accessible mode that transforms the game into a time-based idle experience.

"We want everyone to be able to enjoy the world we're creating," Lisa emphasizes. "The accessible mode will have its own leaderboards to ensure fair competition, but friends can still connect and share experiences regardless of how they're playing."

This inclusive approach reflects the duo's broader philosophy: gaming should bring people together and make life better, not create barriers or exclude anyone from the fun.

The Creative Process

When they're not coding or walking, Lisa and Raoul pursue hobbies that fuel their creativity. Lisa channels her love of arts, crafts, and DIY projects into Stepcraft's visual design, while Raoul's impressive 20-second Rubik's cube solving skills, baking expertise, and gardening passion all contribute to his systematic approach to backend development.

Their shared love of cozy gaming experiences shapes every aspect of Stepcraft's design. This isn't a game about competition or grinding – it's about gentle progression, delightful discoveries, and the simple joy of turning everyday walks into magical adventures.

Looking Toward Launch

After several months of dedicated development, Stepcraft is approaching its closed alpha phase, and the excitement is palpable. "We're thrilled for people to start trying our game," Lisa says. "There's something special about seeing your vision come to life and knowing that it might help other people develop healthier habits the way it's helped us."

The duo has ambitious plans for Stepcraft's future, hoping to expand their small team with additional developers, artists, and writers who can help bring even more depth to the game's quest system and world-building. But for now, they're focused on perfecting the core experience and preparing for those first crucial player feedback sessions.

A Labor of Love

What makes Stepcraft special isn't just its innovative gameplay mechanics or charming pixel art – it's the genuine care and personal experience baked into every feature. This is a game created by people who understand the struggle of motivation, the power of gamification, and the simple joy of a good walk with someone you love.

As Lisa and Raoul continue their daily walks through Haagse Bos, discussing new features and watching the deer graze peacefully among the trees, they're not just building a game – they're crafting a tool that could help thousands of people discover the magic hiding in their own neighborhoods.

Stepcraft isn't just about turning steps into adventure – it's about turning everyday life into something worth exploring.

Stepcraft is currently in development and approaching closed alpha testing. Follow their journey and be among the first to experience this magical walking RPG by joining their community.