Studio Megapop has released a new behind-the-scenes video for the upcoming underwater city builder Life Below, which is set to launch on May 26, 2026, for PC via Steam. The new developer diary focuses on the narrative aspect of the game, led by the renowned writer Rhianna Pratchett, known for her work on games like Tomb Raider, Mirror's Edge, and Heavenly Sword.
According to Pratchett, Life Below aims to approach ecological themes in a subtle way, without “preaching” to players. Instead of directly condemning humanity, the game showcases the consequences of ocean pollution from the perspective of underwater inhabitants who must deal with floating waste and the decay of coral reefs.
The video also reveals more details about the relationship between the main protagonist Thalassa and her mentor Pontus, where the developers want to emphasize more emotional and personal relationships among characters during the restoration of the oceanic ecosystem. Pratchett highlights that one of the main themes of the game is hope and the possibility of change even when the situation seems hopeless.
Life Below combines city-building mechanics with ecosystem management elements, and the game is being developed in collaboration with marine biologists to ensure the depiction of the underwater world is as authentic as possible. Players will build and develop coral reefs, attract various types of marine life, and maintain balance in an ocean facing issues such as pollution, invasive species, and coral bleaching.
The developers have previously released additional video series related to music, sounds, and the scientific approach to game development.
