About Borealis
Hi there! I'm Borealis, UK based queer solo game developer and musician. I make heart-warming, thought-provoking, and often emotional rollercoasters of visual novel games. I also compose game soundtrack music, and am available to hire.I have a degree in music production, and am classically trained in piano, as well as self-taught on guitar and bass. I'm also a strong vocalist, and am adept in electronic programming. I even make genuine retro 8-bit chiptune on a modded 1989 Game Boy! I've been a semi-professional working musician since 2008. As for game development, I'm entirely self-taught, but have been working with Python since 2019.Feel free to browse around and learn more about my products, craft and rates. You can also contact me at the socials/email at the bottom of the page. Let's join forces and make something special happen!
All Current Borealis Games
Venus: Improbable Dream
The very first Borealis creation, 'Venus: Improbable Dream' tells the relatable story of two young students dealing with mental health and disability struggles. When reclusive musicians Kakeru and Haruka meet during music club, the pair begin an unexpected and emotional journey. Together - and with your help - they can learn to trust again, to love themselves, and to use the power of music to overcome their fears. Will you give the performance of your life, or succumb to stage fright?
True Colours
True Colours is a romance/horror that gives you the rare chance to step into the villain's shoes! Take on the role of our gender neutral protagonist, whose name you can customise, and become an agent of chaos! Part dating sim, part survival, part mental health deep-dive - this twisted tale has it all. There’s deception. There’s terror. There’s death… but there’s also a chance for redemption. Can you change your ways for good and win back the love of your life, or are you too far gone?
Secrets In Green
Set in Victorian England, 'Secrets In Green' is a mystery/horror visual novel with a strong message of female empowerment. When our protagonist, Alma, is sent to a cottage in the countryside to recover from an unfortunate episode of mental illness, a plant in her garden seems to begin speaking to her. Naturally, her father and carer brush it off as nothing but a hallucination - a symptom of her hysteria. Little do they know that this message is very, very real. Can you help Alma piece the clues together, find her inner power, and battle against the patriarchy to solve the mystery before it's too late?
Examples of soundtrack work
Rates & details
My usual rate is £100 per minute of music. Each track I create also incurs a £50 rights of usage fee for each track, which enables the client to use the music as agreed.Upon our initial discussion about your project and requirements, I will create one free demo as a preview. If you're happy for me to go ahead, a contract will be signed, and payment is required before I continue (this may be paid in instalments if desired).All finished audio will be sent to you via whatever platform you prefer. I will retain the copyright for all music I produce, but the client will receive full legal permission to use it for both personal and commercial usage, as per the rights of usage fee.If you'd like to talk about hiring me, then please contact me at any of the socials/email at the bottom of the page. I can't wait to create the perfect soundtrack to your awesome game!
Testimonials
"The soundtrack was reminiscent of John Carpenter’s music for Halloween, only if it were played through a Game Boy"
Tom Wilson, The Game Crater ('Dark Sheep' Soundtrack)
"Borealis was an absolute pleasure to work with. Every track they created for me knocked it out of the park and exceeded my expectations! They were pleasant and responsive to communicate with, and did a great job riffing off my ideas to create the perfect atmosphere for my game. Would gladly recommend their work to any of my friends!"
James Maxwell, Witching Metal ('A War Of A Madman's Making' Soundtrack)
"Borealis is a brilliant musician. They're able to take key words and loose references from someone with little musical knowledge, and create an absolutely amazing song for my project. They're quick, friendly, and really knows their stuff!"
Red Chan, WitPOP ('Moral Retrograde' Soundtrack)