Back in 2010, the mobile gaming landscape was sparse in the genre, and the available games utilized virtual buttons to control characters, lacking the tactile feedback of playing on the Nintendo DS and other competing platforms. There was a gap in the market for a platforming experience that felt native to touch devices.

In the Oscura games for mobile, the player touches the side of the screen in the direction they want the titular character to run. Any second touch anywhere on the screen makes the character jump. The player can slow down time by swiping on the screen, causing Oscura to spin and illuminate the level for a brief moment. This interaction design creates an intuitive and engaging experience that works well on both small and large touch screens.

Oscura was nominated for a Webby Award, received praise from IGN and Pocket Gamer, and sold well enough to warrant two sequels.