- Oslo Studio Megapop, Underwater Ecosystem Builder Based on Consultation with Real Marine Biologists
- Narrative written by Rhianna Pratchett, daughter of a classic literature author and illustrious award-winning game writer
- Partnership signed with WDC (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Organization)… 100% of net profits from supporter packs to be donated to marine conservation
A sea where coral reefs are disappearing and the ecosystem is collapsing. Amidst this, the journey of Thalassa, the guardian chosen as the last hope to revive the deep sea, begins.
LIFE BELOW , an underwater city-building game developed by Oslo-based indie studio Megapop and published by UK publisher Kasedo Games, will be officially released on Steam on May 26.
LIFE BELOW is an underwater city builder with a unique concept of restoring coral reefs and rebuilding collapsed marine ecosystems, combining marine ecological systems and environmental conservation messages on top of the structure of the classic city building genre.
The game is garnering attention for its narrative, which is written by Rhianna Pratchett, a game writer with a brilliant career who has won Best Screenplay awards at the Writers Guild of America and the UK, DICE, and SXSW, and was nominated for a British Academy Award (BAFTA).
The deep sea filled with coral and light… overwhelming underwater visuals
One of the biggest features of LIFE BELOW is the outstanding visual perfection of the deep sea setting.
Colorful coral reefs, swaying seaweed, and schools of fish create a vibrant underwater landscape. Pillars of light pouring down from the surface and lighting effects that softly envelop the entire ocean enhance the atmosphere while also intuitively aiding in understanding the gameplay situation.
Sound design is also cited as a strength. The gentle sound of ocean currents, distant whale calls, and restrained background music combine to create a serene yet highly immersive underwater environment. The development team explained that they collaborated with actual marine biologists to build a more realistic marine sound experience.
A blend of science and fantasy… Real marine ecosystem principles brought to life in a game
LIFE BELOW is not merely a city-building game set in the ocean. The development team consulted with real marine biologists to incorporate various ecological principles into the game system.
Principles of real-world ecosystems, such as fish schooling behavior, predator avoidance methods, and coral reef growth mechanisms, are directly reflected in the gameplay structure. For instance, biological facts, such as the need for suitable rocky terrain for coral to thrive, are implemented in the game through a strategic tile placement system.
Marine ecologist Karin Raamat explained that the principle that “in ecosystems, a change in a single small element can lead to the collapse of the entire system” became the core philosophy of game design.
The narrative was written by Rihanna Pratchett, daughter of classic fantasy author Terry Pratchett and an active game writer. The witty narrative, which connects naturally with the tutorial, enhances player immersion.
Over 40 marine species appear… Managing invasive species and climate change
Players must strategically place coral and resource structures to attract various marine creatures and grow the ecosystem.
The game features over 40 species of wildlife, including coral crabs, anglerfish, and hammerhead sharks. The combination of various ecological structures, such as energy-providing coral and resource-producing seashells, is a key strategic element.
However, managing the ecosystem is by no means simple. The invasive lionfish can threaten native species, and rising water temperatures and changes in acidity directly affect coral health. Procedural events such as storm surges, rapid temperature fluctuations, and the appearance of invasive species also occur periodically, requiring players to make constant strategic decisions.
The game starts peacefully, but as time passes, resource calculation and balance management become crucial. It essentially combines the operational fun unique to city builders with the tension of ecosystem simulations.
Donating all proceeds to marine conservation… A message extending beyond the game
Another feature of the game is its official collaboration with the marine conservation organization WDC (Whale and Dolphin Conservation). If you purchase the optional DLC Supporter Pack, 100% of the net profit is donated to marine conservation activities.
The Supporter Pack adds new creatures, such as bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and porpoises, as visiting species in the game, and includes an in-game guidebook containing real-world biological information for each species. The WDC assessed that the very fact that a Norwegian developer collaborated with a marine conservation organization is a significant example.
Game Director Lise Lie said, “The moment dolphins appear in the coral reef that players have carefully nurtured for a long time, they feel a strong emotional connection.”
“You empathize more with the coral than with SimCity” … Positive from both media and critics
Reactions from overseas gaming media and communities have been positive. PC Gamer commented, “This game makes you feel a greater emotional attachment to coral than to human citizens in SimCity.” PCGamesN described it as “a title that adds a fresh underwater variation to the city-building genre.”
The Steam demo is also receiving a positive response. Currently, the demo maintains a “Very Positive” rating with a 91% positive rating (based on 86 reviews). Users have commented, “Just watching the coral reef grow is satisfying,” and “The peaceful atmosphere and strategic elements coexist exquisitely.”
Rewriting City Construction from Nature’s Perspective… Oslo’s 15-Member Team Megapop
Megapop is an indie studio based in Oslo, Norway, with approximately 15 members. Based on their experience developing strategy games, they are continuing their experiment of reinterpreting the formulas of the existing city-building genre from the perspective of a natural ecosystem.
Game Director Lise Lee explained the development intent, stating, “We thought that if we viewed the traditional city-building grammar of ‘endless expansion and resource consumption’ from the perspective of nature, we could create a system of prosperity and coexistence instead of decline and collapse.”
As the city-building genre has recently expanded into competition centered on automation and resource efficiency, ‘LIFE BELOW’ presents a unique perspective on the interaction and conservation of natural ecosystems. With its science-based advisory system and emotional narrative, attention is focused on whether this title can captivate both strategy game fans and cozy game users.
LIFE BELOW Related Information
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Megapop (Oslo, Norway / 15-member team) |
| Publisher | Kasedo Games (Leicester, UK / Under Kalypso Media Group) |
| Genre | Underwater City Builder / Ecosystem Simulation / Strategic Management |
| Release platform | PC (Steam) |
| Release date | May 26, 2026 |
| Supporter Pack | $4.99 / 100% of Net Profit Donated to WDC Marine Conservation |
| Steam Demo Review | Very positive 91% (86 items) |
| narrative | Written by Rhianna Pratchett |
| Advisory | actual marine biologist |
| Wildlife that can be lured | 40+ species (coral crab, anglerfish, hammerhead shark, dolphin, etc.) |
| Special Edition | Special Edition (Includes 170-page art book + original soundtrack) |
| Main Keywords | Coral reef, ecosystem, underwater, city builder, conservation, marine, cozy strategy |
| Steam Page | Shortcut |
