Do you remember making dioramas for class projects back in school. Maybe I'm showing my age here, but it always felt more like playing than work. Using an old shoebox to make a scene from a book we read, or an important day in history. There was just something about taking a whole lot of nothing and turning it into a whole scene. An upcoming diorama based design game called MakeRoom, allows you to channel your inner miniature display artist, and turn objects into living rooms, campers and gardens. 

Gameplay

MakeRoom by developer Kenney, is a cozy sandbox where you get to build your very own miniature spaces. From the get go, MakeRoom offers gentle prompt builds, to make sure players learn the core mechanics. Place, rotate, resize, and style items to fit the room's aesthetic. Make or clean up messes with tools like the mop, vacuum or duster. You can even change the walls, flooring, and backgrounds. Add effects like fire or smoke, even little Zs for your sleeping cat. 

With a library of over a 1000 objects, MakeRoom gives players options to use in their designs. From cozy couches and chairs, plants, even adorable pets the options feel endless. Whether creating a gaming room, retro kitchen, or even a dream garden there’s a perfect piece to bring your vision to life.

Complete levels on MakeRoom Island to discover new tools and unlock new furniture. Levels range from a cozy reading nook to secretive spy headquarters. Get inspired to create a miniature room of your own!

Customization

When building your own diorama, MakeRoom gives you the choice of starting with three different bases: room, camper or garden. Each type brings its own challenge and creative potential. Starting with a room or garden, you have the opportunity to change the size and shape, truly customizing it to your liking. With a camper on the other hand, you're constrained to one size, but that makes it that much more of a challenge. I turned my camper into a food truck. What can you make?

MakeRoom also offers players the ability to design their own custom furniture to fit their aesthetic. Shape, recolor, even rotate to create something new. A cute gaming table or a bed with tons of shelves for books, the only boundary is your imagination.

Sharing your Creation

MakeRoom has its very own camera mode to help you take stunning photos of your creations. Add filters or visual effects to get the perfect shot. Once you're happy with your picture, upload it via the Steam Workshop integration and share your design with others.  You can even find codes to unlock secret objects.

Final Thoughts

MakeRoom puts focus on creativity and design, and very minimal in structure beyond learning mechanics. For some this comes off less game and more sandbox, but that definitely isn't a bad thing. Instead it gives players the tools to design without pressure or parameters. An open space to explore their own imagination.

Whether you're a casual builder or a seasoned pro, MakeRoom offers a cozy and creative experience. 

MakeRoom releases August 7th 2025 on Steam for PC with Steam Deck support. 

Gamer Social Club would like to thank the developer for the review code provided for purpose of this review.