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CALENDULA

How to play a game that doesn't want to be played? Calendula is an experimental meta game about trying to play a game. Use your logic to thrive against conventions and get surrounded by a dark atmosphere.

Steam Page
Developer
Blooming Buds Studio
Publisher
Blooming Buds Studio
Release
February 2, 2016
10 years and 183 days ago
Steam Reviews
Mostly Positive365 reviews76.4%

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Game contextLatest: IGF Team
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Notes
Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Updated: Jul 16, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 12, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
Updated: Jul 12, 2026Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is CALENDULA and Blooming Buds Studio funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for CALENDULA and Blooming Buds Studio?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 16, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.

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About the Game

What is Calendula?

Calendula is an experience. Calendula is a mystery. Calendula is a glass full of blood. Calendula is an experiment. Calendula is an atmospheric game. Calendula is a flower. Calendula is your deepest secret...

About Calendula

  • Calendula begins as a usual game... until it is not anymore.
  • The player's goal will be to unveil the mystery behind an apparently broken game, but it won't be easy.
  • Calendula's mechanics are entirely focused on the struggle of trying to start a game, exploring the limits of the 4th wall and breaking with conventions.
  • Calendula's aesthetics follows an increasing obscure atmosphere, plunging the player into a disturbing, thrilling experience.
  • The narrative is built within a labyrinth of metaphors and abstractions, ready to be unraveled.
  • Unlike other games, the player will feel as if things didn't work the way they should, similar to Twin Peaks' Red Room (David Lynch).
  • The player's journey goes from simple to complex, from bright to somber, from real to dreamlike.
  • To follow Calendula's path, the player will have to use his wit and think outside the box. In this case, a tiny oppressive box.

    Please, remember this: It is not your fault.
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