Moa takes its inspiration from the events surrounding the settlement of New Zealand, recasting them with anthropomorphized birds and mammals. The inhabitants of the Pacific island are represented by giant birds, such as the moa and kakapo, while the settlers from the west are played by dogs, rats, possums, and weasels. Players take on the role of the defenders of the land, competing with their fellow players for control of the regions while staving off the advances of the mammals. However, the cunning bird may consider selling their land to the mammals rather than fighting to defend it. Moa is an original design inspired by Martin Wallace's stay in the Land of the Long Cloud.