- Solo developer Fabian Wavell’s new game, a physics-based sandcastle simulation, is gaining buzz on social media.
- Surpassing 165,000 on Steam Wishlist… Recording 4.5 million cumulative views on social media, garnering high interest even before release
Sandcastle, a healing sandbox game currently under development by Bubblebird Studio, a one-person development studio in Luxembourg, will release its first playable demo on Steam on August 6. The full version is scheduled to be released on Steam for PC later this year.
True to its title, ‘Sandcastle’ is a game that brings the act of building a sandcastle to life. Players can acquire various tools, gather wet sand, and build high walls or carve intricate battlements. The core of the game lies in building a sandcastle in your own unique way, such as designing a moat to block or let in incoming waves.
There are no special time limits or timers. The only things urging the player on are the slowly rising tides and the warm sunshine. You can also experience the charming fun of finding items washed ashore or secret treasures buried in the sand to breathe unique personality into your sandcastle.
From lagoons to deltas… Physics-based building at 10 beaches
The game features 10 different beach terrains with distinct characteristics, such as lagoons, islands, sand breakwaters, and deltas. Since sand and water move differently in each environment, players must design their sandcastles by taking the terrain and tidal currents into account.
Above all, what makes ‘Sandcastle’ stand out is its intricate physics simulation of sand and incoming waves. The game faithfully recreates the realistic process of water seeping in and the collapse of sandcastles when built on the beach. Thanks to this, users experience a deep, tactile sensation that goes beyond mere visual decoration, feeling as if they are physically constructing actual sand structures.
Various sculpting tools are also provided. You can build walls and castles by stacking and carving the sand into your desired shape, and you can also complete your own sandcastle by finding collectibles hidden throughout the beach.
Warm colors and the sound of waves… Focus on relaxation rather than competition
‘Sandcastle’ evokes a healing atmosphere akin to meditation with the calm colors of a tropical beach and the sound of gentle waves. It is characterized by an audiovisual environment that allows one to focus entirely on the sandcastle without any stimulating elements.
It is not a game where you have to achieve specific goals quickly or complete the castle within a time limit. Watching the ebb and flow of the tides, slowly building up the sand, and appreciating the process of its shape changing due to the seawater is itself a major part of the fun of the game.
The developers have also explained that they are focusing on creating an experience that can be enjoyed calmly and comfortably, rather than competitive or tense elements like tower defense.
A solo developer from Luxembourg who created ‘Haven Park’ and ‘Trackline Express’
Bubblebird Studio, which is developing ‘Sandcastle’, is a Luxembourg-based one-person development studio founded by Fabien Weibel in 2021 for the release of ‘Haven Park’.
Bubble Bird Studio aims to develop games that come alive with rich worldviews and charming characters, based on intuitive fun.
They have previously demonstrated their unique development capabilities by showcasing the healing adventure game ‘Haven Park’ and ‘Trackline Express,’ which combines train construction and tower defense elements.
It is known that the racing game ‘TurboSquad’ is currently under development alongside ‘Sandcastle’.
165,000 wishlist items and 4.5 million Instagram views just over two months after release
‘Sandcastle’ garnered significant attention in a short period following its official announcement. It recorded over 4.5 million cumulative views on Instagram and more than 165,000 wishlists on Steam.
It has also secured over 12,000 followers on TikTok, with each post recording high view counts. The developer maintains interest in the game by consistently sharing the development process and communicating with fans through Discord.
Recently, they also participated in ‘The Ocean Fest’ held on Steam. The developer revealed at the festival that they are continuously adding new tools, collectibles, and various features, and are continuing development toward the official release.
‘Sand Castle,’ which offers healing amidst the movement of sand and water, is expected to provide a new form of relaxation to users dreaming of escaping their daily routines. Having already proven its immense popularity through social media and wishlists, ‘Sand Castle’ will release its first demo on August 6th, setting out to drive its success in earnest.
Information regarding ‘Sandcastle’
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Bubblebird Studio (Fabien Weibel, Solo Developer, Luxembourg) |
| Publisher | Future Friends Games |
| Genre | Casual Sandbox / Relaxing Simulation |
| Release platform | PC (Steam) |
| Demo release date | August 6, 2026 |
| Official release date | By 2026 (undetermined) |
| Content composition | 10 types of beach terrain, physics-based sand and water simulation |
| Developer’s previous work | Haven Park, Trackline Express |
| Steam Wishlist | Over 165,000 cases |
| SNS reactions | Over 4.5 million cumulative views on Instagram |
| Steam rating | Pre-counting (Upcoming Releases) |
| Official Channel | Official Website, Discord, X, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky |
| Steam Page | Shortcut |
