Hi Foragers! I'm Andrea (she/her) and I'm the social & community manager for Forage Friends. I run all of our social channels, including this Discord! As our resident marketer, I'm helping to build our game's presence in the cozy mobile game space, get people excited to play, and create a community around self-care, self-expression, and finding what healthy means for YOU.
How long have you been working in games?
Fun fact: this is my very first job in the gaming industry! Before this, I worked for over 10 years in user experience design and product marketing as a writer, so a lot of my skills transfer over. I actually still get to use my UX chops to help influence the UI and player journeys for Forage Friends which is super cool!
What are some things you wish people knew about community management?
It’s hard work! I feel like whenever I describe what I do I always say something like, “Oh I run our Twitter.” or “I make cute graphics in Canva.” but it’s soooooo much more than that. It’s A LOT of strategy, planning, creativity, marketing, and knowing how and when to join the conversation. You really need to be ✨in the moment✨ most of the time which is both energizing and chaotic, but it’s also literally the most fun job I’ve ever had.
What is it like working on Forage Friends?
Ummm the best?! The team is just incredibly talented, open, and supportive. It’s the first place I’ve worked where I can show up 100% as my authentic self and feel like what I do and say actually matters. I love that I get to work on something that we all care deeply about and will impact people in a positive way. We’re building and nurturing this thing from seed (pun intended) and really get to be creative with every aspect of it. Our budding community is full of lovely people who care about mental health, self expression, and lifting each other up–plus the game itself is so cozy, earthy, and inclusive. Love, love, love.
Walking in nature is one of my favorite ways to destress
What kind of impact are you hoping to make with the release of Forage Friends?
I just want players to feel seen and accepted for who they are, the choices they make, and know that it’s okay to not be perfect. I think now more than ever people are craving real, genuine connection and for the world to meet them where they are, without expectations or judgment. We’re putting a lot of love and intention behind this game with diverse characters and stories, personalization options, and relaxing gameplay. Forage Friends is going to bring an entirely new meaning to self care and I think it’s going to be incredibly healing for so many people.
My two cats, Edie and Andy
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I live in Upstate New York, so I spend a lot of time in nature, whether that’s taking a walk, enjoying a meal outside, or doing sunset yoga. I’m a huge animal rights advocate and renowned cat lady so I volunteer at a local rescue on the weekends. The writer in me loves curling up with a good book and refuses to not be reading at least 2-3 at the same time. As an openly witchy person, I do a lot of actual foraging for wildflowers, rocks, and other natural materials as well as DIY crafting. Other than that, any moment I get to spend relaxing with my husband and 2 cats is all I need.
Me waiting to play the GVH demo!
What are some of your favorite video games?
I loooove narrative-driven, coming-of-age games. Some of my all-time faves are Spiritfarer, We Are OFK, and Unpacking. Also cannot wait for KO_OP Mode’s upcoming Goodbye Volcano High!
Foraged flowers, pastel crystals, and homemade candles = the vibe
What is something you love that not a lot of people know about, in general?
Neurodivergence! I found out this year that I’m autistic and now I can’t stop learning about how people’s brains experience the world differently. I could talk for hourrrrrrrs about it, so I guess you can say it’s become one of my special interests. Also cats, always cats.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I’m a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do! I studied martial arts for 8 years and used to compete in regional competitions. Big Cobra Kai energy.
Yep, checks out.
If you were a famous character, who would you be and why?
Oh man, I’ve been compared a lot to Lydia from Beetlejuice and Wednesday Addams which I am NOT at all mad about. I do wear all black and have a penchant for all things weird, vintage, dark, and magical…
Where can people follow you on social media?
I’m @andyazcu on everything! I don’t post often there but you can always find me sending out cozy plant vibes @ForageFriends