Link Steam
indiegame.fan
The Gardens Between header art

The Gardens Between

The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and discover the secrets of each island.

Steam Page
Developer
The Voxel Agents
Publisher
The Voxel Agents
Release
September 19, 2018
7 years and 318 days ago
Steam Reviews
Very Positive2,753 reviews93.8%

Does this feel indie?

Vote based on whether this game feels indie to you. You can change your vote at any time. Results earn an IGF score after 10 accepted votes.
No votes yet
Vote on More Games
Game contextLatest: IGF Team
ContextThe evidence factors used to assess whether this game belongs on IndieGame.Fan.Status
Notes
Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Updated: Jul 10, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 15, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
Updated: Jul 15, 2026Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is The Gardens Between and The Voxel Agents funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for The Gardens Between and The Voxel Agents?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 10, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.

Media

10 items

About the Game

The Gardens Between is a single-player adventure-puzzle game about time, memory and friendship.

Best friends Arina and Frendt fall into a series of vibrant, dreamlike island gardens peppered with everyday objects from their childhood. Together they embark on an emotional journey that examines the significance of their friendship.

Manipulate time to solve puzzles and reach the apex of each isle. Follow the duo as they unpack and explore their precious moments spent together, lighting up constellations and illuminating threads of a bittersweet narrative.

Features

  • Vibrant, storybook-inspired art style

  • Dreamy tale of adventure, friendship and growing-up

  • Gorgeous single player experience with a meaningful personal story

  • Bespoke ingenious puzzles require the manipulation of time to solve

  • Accessible design; simple controls, and no text, speech, time pressure or complex UI

  • Relaxing, ambient soundtrack by feature-artist Tim Shiel

  • Play in full detail on your gorgeous 4k screen

Reception

"Magical moments."

- GameSpot

"Incredibly clever."

- Nintendo Life

"Every element works in unison."

- Shindig.nz

"A magical journey."

- Polygon

"You really need to play it."

- Engadget

Awards and Festivals

  • 'Excellence In Art' Winner IMGA 2020

  • 'Apple Design Award' Winner 2019

  • 'Best Puzzles' Winner Webby Awards 2019

  • Apple 'Mac Game of the Year' Winner 2018

  • 'Game of the Year' Winner at the Australia Game Developer Awards 2018

  • 'Most Innovative Game' Winner by Game Two 2018

  • 'Best Technology' Winner at Sense Of Wonder Night 2018

  • 'Best of MIX' Winner at MIX Seattle 2018

  • 'Game Design Excellence' Winner BIC Fest 2017

Indie Game Fan