If you’re like me and keep an eye out for city builders that actually try something new, the demo drop for Life Below caught my attention. Not just because it’s set beneath the waves (how many underwater city builders can you name?), but because it’s blending climate-driven strategy, accessible gameplay, and some real narrative chops thanks to Rhianna Pratchett. With the demo surfacing just in time for World Ocean Day and Steam Next Fest, I had to check out what sets this one apart.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Kasedo Games |
| Release Date | 2026 |
| Genres | City Builder (Reef Builder) |
| Platforms | Windows PC |
Let’s be real: most city builders stick to terra firma, and the few that venture underwater usually do it as a gimmick. Life Below looks determined to do more. Developed by Megapop (the Oslo team behind some solid strategy titles) and published by Kasedo Games (who’ve delivered cult favorites like Warhammer 40k: Mechanicus and Project Highrise), this project isn’t just another SimCity clone with a new coat of paint. The hook is building and evolving an entire reef ecosystem, managing biodiversity, and dealing with the realities of a human-impacted ocean. You’re not just placing buildings-you’re stewarding a living, changing environment where the challenges come as much from nature as from your own decisions.
The fact that Rhianna Pratchett is writing the narrative gives me hope for something more than the usual “fill a bar, make numbers go up” gameplay loop. If you know her work from Tomb Raider or Heavenly Sword, you know she’s not afraid to dig into tough themes and give characters real stakes. I’m genuinely curious to see how story-driven city building might play out, especially in a setting where survival isn’t just about resource management, but about coexisting with the ocean’s shifting moods and threats.
But here’s the kicker: Life Below is aiming to be one of the most accessible city builders yet. The devs are collaborating directly with Arevya and the experts at SpecialEffect (legends in the field of game accessibility) to design features that actually open the door for more players. Too many strategy games throw up unnecessary barriers, so seeing accessibility baked into the process-and not tacked on last minute-makes me hopeful we’ll see real innovation here. It’s about time city building became a genre everyone can enjoy, not just those with the fastest clicking fingers or sharpest eyesight.
Looking at the timing—dropping the demo ahead of World Ocean Day and Steam Next Fest—this feels like a smart move to get the environmentally-minded crowd involved early. But I can’t help but wonder: will the actual gameplay loop have enough variety to keep players hooked? Eco-themed games can sometimes get preachy or repetitive if they don’t nail the fun factor. Megapop’s track record with strategy makes me cautiously optimistic, but I’ll be watching closely to see how deep the systems go and whether replayability holds up after the first few hours under the waves.
For gamers, this demo is a chance to test whether Life Below can balance meaningful environmental mechanics with the satisfying progression we crave in a city builder. The accessibility push also means the game might set a new bar for how inclusive strategy titles can be. If you’re tired of the same old urban grid or just want something with a little more heart and social conscience, it’s absolutely worth checking out during Steam Next Fest. Here’s hoping the final game delivers on the promise—and that other devs take notes on making their games more playable for everyone.
TL;DR: Life Below isn’t just “SimCity but underwater.” With its focus on reef-building, climate challenges, narrative by Rhianna Pratchett, and accessibility-first design, it’s shaping up to be one of the more intriguing city builders on the horizon. The Steam demo gives a taste, but the real test will be whether it can make those systems as compelling as they are unique. Color me interested—and cautiously hopeful.
Source: Kasedo Games via GamesPress