# Bird Romance Indie Games 'On The Fly' Blends Multiple Game Styles to Tell a Charming Story By Justin Lam | Published 2018-05-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-the-fly References: [indiegames](http://indiegames.com/2018/04/on_the_fly_mixes_runner_dating.html) & [sparrowhousegames.itch.io](https://sparrowhousegames.itch.io/on-the-fly) On The Fly is a new indie game from developers Rebecca Kremer and Joshua Hurd that combines [runner-style games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flappy-bird-1), dating sims and birds. This odd combination may cause some to question the title, but this game is far from a gimmick. The game, which also offers co-op, will task players with guiding a [crow and sparrow](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-birdfeeder) down a winding river. While traversing the river, players will have to stay fed and collect food and while not flying, players will grow a relationship between the birds through various dialogue choices. The gameplay in On The Fly is quite impressive and features tight control. However, the key appeal to the game lies in its story and this idea is supported beautifully by the game's stunning artwork. Utilizing a [cell-shaded art style](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycopunk), On The Fly uses color in amazing ways that evoke a dreamy and calming feel. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Runner-style Games:** Utilize the fast-paced and endless gameplay of runner-style games to create innovative and immersive experiences. - **Dating Sims:** Incorporate the interactive storytelling and character development of dating sims into unexpected genres to create unique and engaging narratives. - **Combining Game Styles:** Merge different game styles and mechanics to create novel and genre-bending gameplay experiences that captivate players. ### Where This Applies - **Video Game Development:** Explore the fusion of various game styles to create fresh and innovative indie games that attract a diverse audience. - **Art and Design:** Harness the power of stunning artwork and creative visual styles to enhance the storytelling and immersion of video games. - **Interactive Storytelling:** Combine the art of storytelling with interactive gameplay elements to create engaging and emotionally-driven gaming experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Retro Survival Horror Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crow-country.md) - [Immersive Genre-Bending Indie Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raiders-of-blackveil.md) - [Album-Inspired Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cross-country-legacy.md) - [Dark Meditative Digital Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crow-country-game.md) - [Frog-Focused Puzzle Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spinfrog.md) - [Hinge-Controlled Mobile Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foldy-bird.md) - [Satisfying Digital Puzzle Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geometric-interactive.md) - [Casual Animal-Herding Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/herdling.md) - [Casual Tap Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flappy-buddy.md)