Video games have long since proven themselves a fantastic medium for storytelling. But what about a medium for poetry writing? BirdsDev‘s small bird poem proves that the answer is yes, games can do that, too. The demo is out now for the Steam Next Fest: June 2025, so I spent some time composing stanzas with the titular small bird. The game only takes a couple of minutes to play, but the experience was so lovely and cozy that I’m already eager for more.
Fly Through a Storybook Adventure
Every playthrough starts with a fixed, four-line stanza that appears over a lovely scene of grass dancing in the breeze beneath a golden sky. This is the start of your poem, and it establishes both the whimsical tone and the purpose of the story. From there, you take control of a small bird fluttering through flower fields, urban junk piles, and other landscapes on its way home.
Each stage is tied to a rhyming couplet. The places you visit—and the way you fly through them—affects the poem. Will your poem speak of gentle danger as you clip a wing on a box, or will it speak of the way you nimbly avoided the watchful gaze of a nearby owl?
At the poem’s end, you enjoy a sweet image of your bird cuddled safely in its nest with its partner. The closing stanza recaps your unique journey through the game, and the entire poem is displayed for you to re-read or listen to as your bird enjoys its well-earned rest.
Charm and Beauty Abound
The stakes are low, the action is gentle, and the overall game carries a storybook charm. Every detail feels crafted with love. The painted look of the artwork and the calm setting create a gorgeous, peaceful atmosphere. The camera stays up close as it follows behind your bird, and the perspective makes the obstacles and creatures you face feel as big as they are to your little feathered friend. Meanwhile, the narration—available in UK English or German—adds a nature documentary vibe that makes each line that much more enjoyable.
From the smile in the narrator’s voice to the little hops your bird makes while it waits for you to choose a path, the entire game feels lighthearted and playful. Even the dangers have a sweetness to them; the game shift to slow motion while you watch your bird narrowly avoid a collision. If you run into an obstacle, you lose a feather—but even a rough journey gets a sweet ending once you reach the end of your flight.
The soundtrack also deserves a shout out. The game’s music is by Dutch composer Brombaer, whose lush, nature-inspired instrumentals have been all over my playlists for a while. The inquisitive melody plays over a rich, deep background, creating an ambience of both playfulness and adventure as you fly through each stage.
A Wholesome Adventure for All
The game is advertised as great for playing with a little one, which it is. small bird poem makes for a perfect children’s adventure or bedtime story. But in truth, you don’t need to be sharing the experience with a child to enjoy it. The sweet, soothing feel of the game ignites an innocent sort of wonder. It takes you back to story time on your mother’s lap—to those easy, lovely tales that used to cradle your imagination as you drifted off to sleep at night.
So whether you’re sharing this treat with a little one or just cozying up on your own with a cup of tea and a warm blanket, small bird poem is an utter delight that anyone can enjoy.
The small bird poem demo is available now during Steam Next Fest: June 2025.
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