Otautahi Musician, Pickle Darling Levels Up With A New Video Game
In a playful and innovative celebration of indie music and digital creativity, Ōtautahi Christchurch-based musician Pickle Darling (Lukas Mayo) has teamed up with visual artist Christiane Shortal to release "Pickle Darling: The Game", an immersive online experience launching this May.
The charming, nostalgia-driven game invites players to join Pickle Darling on a whimsical quest: tracking down their mysteriously lost album. Blending Mayo’s quirky musical sensibilities with Shortal’s distinctive visual artistry, "Pickle Darling: The Game" offers fans a delightful glimpse into the trials, tribulations, and sheer magic behind an indie album release.
The game features exclusive 8-bit renditions of beloved Pickle Darling tracks, including fan favourites "Bicycle Weather," "King Of Joy," and "Invercargill Angel". These uniquely reimagined versions were produced specifically for the game and will soon be available on TikTok and Instagram, encouraging fans to soundtrack their own online creations.

Explaining the project, Mayo shares, "This game is a little peek behind the curtain of what goes into (and what can hinder) a Pickle Darling album release." It’s a playful homage to the creative journey, designed to resonate with both loyal fans and new listeners alike.
"Pickle Darling: The Game" is available now to play online via itch.io, perfectly timed as part of the broader celebrations marking NZ Music Month. Whether you're a dedicated indie music enthusiast, gaming aficionado, or just a lover of charming pixel art, Pickle Darling’s new interactive offering is not to be missed.
About Pickle
Darling:
Pickle Darling (Lukas Mayo) is a
well-known indie pop artist from Christchurch, known for
blending heartfelt lyricism with whimsical melodies and
dreamy lo-fi production. Celebrated for their introspective
and deeply personal songwriting, Pickle Darling has become a
beloved staple in Aotearoa’s indie music
scene.