Under the Waves is a narrative-driven environmental adventure game released in 2023. It was developed by Parallel Studio, a small French indie team, and published by Quantic Dream. The game focuses on immersive storytelling and environmental themes in collaboration with the NGO Surfrider Foundation Europe.

The main character, Stanley Moray, is a diver grappling with grief and isolation in the depths of the North Sea during an alternate 1970s timeline. As Stan navigates underwater landscapes in his submarine, players embark on an introspective journey through emotional healing and environmental awareness.

Emotional Abyss

In creative media, the dark, silent abyss often symbolizes the protagonist’s state of mind. These voids represent isolation and an ultimatum for the psyche.

At the end of Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Steve, played by Bill Murray, encounters the deep-sea shark that killed his best friend. As Sigur Rós‘ “Starálfur” plays, Steve’s sadness surfaces. This moment captures the film’s exploration of our need for closure and our relationship with nature.

Under the Waves places Stan in a similar position. As a professional diver for the oil company UniTrench, Stan bottles up his grief after his daughter’s death. He isolates himself through his work. Both Steve and Stan’s journeys use the deep sea as a mirror for their emotional landscapes. Going deeper into the depths is a direct analogy to going deeper into the mind. However, in Under the Waves, this anthropocentric view of the ocean is cut short and partnered with an environmental message.

The Surfrider Foundation

Not only does Stanley’s deep-sea isolation strain his relationship with his wife, but it also damages the environment. Both problems have the same solution: going back to the surface once and for all. Under the Waves is not just greenwashing to please their target audience, though. The game’s collaboration with Surfrider Foundation Europe embeds environmental activism into its core.

The Surfrider Foundation is an environmental NGO focused on protecting and preserving the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches. It was founded in 1984 in California by a group of surfers concerned about the pollution of the beaches. Since then, the organization has grown into an influential global network.

The Surfrider Foundation Europe provided expertise and insights that helped shape the game’s environmental narrative. This collaboration ensured that the portrayal of ecological issues was accurate and impactful. The NGO’s involvement included advising on the depiction of pollution and offering guidance on how to effectively communicate environmental messages.

Throughout Stan’s journey, players encounter oil spills, discarded plastics, and damaged ecosystems mirroring real-world issues addressed by Surfrider Foundation. Players are encouraged to complete tasks, such as cleaning debris, reinforcing the game’s environmental message. 

The game features links and resources for players to learn more about ocean conservation. These resources, often found in the game’s menu or through external links, direct players to Surfrider Foundation Europe’s website and other educational materials. This connection helps players explore how they can contribute to environmental efforts beyond the game.

Last but not least, a portion of the game’s proceeds support the Surfrider Foundation.

Sound Design and Aesthetic

The sound design and visual aesthetics of Under the Waves significantly enhance the immersive experience. The game features a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack composed by Nicolas Bredin, which complements the emotional depth of the narrative. The soundscape includes ambient underwater noises and subtle music cues that heighten the game’s ethereal mood.

Geoffrey Vitale leads the world of design and environmental art brilliantly. The game’s detailed underwater environments capture both the beauty of pristine nature and the stark impact of human exploitation. The game’s aesthetic combines realistic underwater scenery with a surreal touch during Stan’s dream sequences.

Under the Gameplay

Unfortunately, what Under the Waves has in aesthetic it lacks in gameplay. Under the Waves caught the attention of many Subnautica players looking for a similar experience but the similarities are superficial. Though Under the Waves excels in visual and sound design, its gameplay is strictly story-driven. There is little to do outside the main storyline. Tasks such as cleaning debris get very repetitive. For players seeking a more dynamic green experience titles like Flotsam or Terra Nil might be more appealing.

On the other hand, if you wish to dive deeper into a more contemplative gameplay, ABZÛ might be right down your alley. It helps players reconnect with nature by focusing on exploration and a meditation mechanic to really take in the surroundings.

No matter how stunning the fauna and flora on screen may be, true nature is outside the videogame. Games like ABZÛ and Under the Waves help us remember that.

Activist Games

Under the Waves is an interactive cinematic experience with a clear agenda: make the world a better place through videogames.

If you are interested in games as activism you can check out Games for Change (also known as G4C). It’s a nonprofit organization founded in 2004. It provides support, visibility, and shared resources to individuals and organizations creating games for social change.