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Press release:
Thursday 13th of November, 2025. Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Today independent developers Whyknot Studio and publisher Red Dunes Games are excited to fully unveil their charming and enchanting 2D puzzle-platformer ‘Princess of the Water Lilies’, arriving on Steam on 20th November 2025, priced at $14.99.

Immerse yourself in a beautifully illustrated storybook world that draws inspiration from the golden age of animated classics, where you’ll embark on a cozy yet captivating journey accompanied by a mesmerising live ‘full’ orchestral soundtrack. With minimal text and perfectly executed storytelling, the narrative remains accessible to players worldwide and propels the player into an imaginative experience.

“Inspired by those beloved animated classics from the ’70s to ’90s – from Fox and Hound, Aristocats, Bambi, Fern Gully, Watership Down, Wind in the Willows, The Secret of NIMH, An American Tail, and The Land Before Time, as well as games like Ori and HOA, we set out to capture that same childhood wonder.” Sultan Darmaki CEO & Creative Director, Red Dunes Games.

OST performed by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra

The purr-suit of adventure

The titular Princess is an adorable grey kitty cat on a mission to rescue her frog family. As she jumps, climbs, purrs, sprints, and slaps her way through the breathtaking hand-painted settings of the game, Princess discovers that her beautiful home is under threat. The fate of the world rests in her fluffy little paws, and unfortunately, she doesn’t have nine lives to spare – one hit and she’s gone, keeping even the most skilful gamers on their toes.

Attention to detail – A mesmerising experience

Being an adventurous, curious cat, exploring a world filled with secrets and magic is second nature as the vistas come alive! Attention to detail has been a simple prerequisite of the developer, along with some truly inventive ideas that move the game forward in a seamless, intuitive way! . By purring, the cat’s collar releases magical energy that transforms the environment, causing plants to bloom, bridges to grow, and pathways to emerge, allowing her to solve puzzles and traverse the mysterious world around her. Explore lush, hand-drawn biomes, each filled with obstacles, hidden pathways, and secrets to uncover.

“Our world is richly hand-painted and our characters outlined in a traditional style, echoing the timeless artistry of those films and bringing that nostalgic magic to players today.” Shan Fei, CEO, Whyknot Studio.

Princess of the Water Lilies presents a whole feature list of eye-catching mechanics and ideas, like vine swinging, water traversal, and more, all presented in an appealing game that will captivate gamers of all ages!

Princess of the Water Lilies will enchant and enthral a wide variety of gamers, from cozy chill seekers and anime fans to puzzle pros and fans of retro platforming. You can embark on a whimsical animated journey on 20th November 2025.

About WhyKnot Studio
Why Knot Studio crafts character-driven adventures that evoke nostalgic gaming experiences. Whether it’s action, puzzle, cozy, roguelike, or beyond – we create worlds where compelling characters and heartfelt stories take center stage, creating hope through games.

About Red Dunes Games
Red Dunes Games is an independent game developer and publisher based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. With a global outlook and deep roots in storytelling, Red Dunes creates and publishes original games that resonate with players across cultures. The company is known for its creativity, production quality, and commitment to working with world-class partners.