Award-winning writer shares insights on storytelling, characters and hope in new dev video ahead of May 26th release
Leicester, UK – 11th May 2026. Megapop, the studio behind the upcoming underwater city builder Life Below, has released a new behind-the-scenes video offering a closer look at the game’s narrative design ahead of itsMay 26th release.
The new dev video centres on award-winning writer, hobby diver, and aquarium aficionado Rhianna Pratchett (Tomb Raider, Mirror’s Edge, Heavenly Sword), who dives into how Life Below approaches environmental storytelling without heavy-handed messaging.
“When it comes to human made disasters, it’s very subtle,” says Pratchett. “The characters don’t talk about the ‘surface dwellers’, but they might talk about the strange debris floating above them and how it’s causing problems in the reef. You’re being put into the perspective of someone that’s having to deal with the consequences of it, rather than finger-wagging the naughty humans.”
Alongside its environmental themes, the video explores the game’s character-driven storytelling. Pratchett highlights the importance of relationships between Pontus, the begrudging mentor and the player’s character, Thalassa.
“I wanted Thalassa to have someone to talk to that was on the same level with her,” Pratchett explains. “Not like her boss, but a colleague, to have a growing relationship with in a way that she’s not going to do with Gaia, her boss.”
Blending narrative depth with systemic gameplay, Life Below delivers a fresh and distinctive take on the city-building genre. Developed in collaboration with marine biologists, players are tasked with cultivating coral reefs, attracting diverse wildlife, and maintaining delicate ecosystems in an ever-changing ocean environment. However, hope is a theme that runs throughout the narrative.
“It’s about nurturing, for both the reef and the characters,” says Pratchett. “Even those who feel like their time has passed can still make a difference. There’s always a way forward, always something you can do to help or change your circumstances. That felt like a powerful message to explore.”
This latest installment is just one of a series of behind-the-scenes dev videos that have already covered subjects such as how the sounds and music of Life Below were made and howLife Below combines science with fun, all of which can be found on the Kasedo Games channel.
Life Below is coming to Steam on May 26, 2026. Players can wishlist the game now via Steam or join the community on Discord.
ABOUT KASEDO GAMES
Kasedo Games work closely together with enthusiastic & talented indie developers from around the world to publish ‘Triple I’ titles that players will love.
Through our vast knowledge of producing, PR, marketing and distribution, we always strive for quality games made by quality indie teams and we understand that every game and every studio has different requirements. The support, creative freedom and platform we provide means we can make great games happen without forgetting their roots.
Titles under the Kasedo label include: ‘IXION, ‘Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus I & II’, ‘City of Gangsters’, ‘Filament’, ‘Rise of Industry 1 & 2’, ‘Project Highrise’ and ‘Crowntakers’. www.kasedogames.com
ABOUT MEGAPOP
Megapop is an independent game studio based in Oslo, Norway, and a proud member of Oslo Game Hub. We create premium strategy games for PC and console, built on originality, depth, and the science of fun. With a legacy of globally featured and top-ranking games, we bring a deep current of experience into every new project. We’re currently developing Life Below, a genre-bending city-builder where you shape the fate of a coral reef from nature’s point of view—a true reef builder.
