Narrative adventure game Under the Waves is a “love letter to oceans”

Coming in 2023 from Parallel Studio and Quantic Dream

One of the more solemn reveals at Gamescom Opening Night Live was Under the Waves, an underwater narrative adventure game from Parallel Studio and publisher Quantic Dream. We’ve seen plenty of underwater games before, but nothing quite like this.

There’s a reason for the quiet, lonely vibe. Here’s the story setup:

“Set in the depths of the North Sea in a techno-futuristic 1970s, professional diver Stan is struggling to overcome a life-changing loss and embrace a new future.”

“The isolation of the deep sea is a fitting manifestation of his state of mind, and as Stan retreads further into his self-imposed solitude, he starts to experience strange events far beneath the waves. He will eventually have to make a difficult choice… stay lost in the depths forever, or break free to the surface and to the rest of his life.”

That all matches the reveal trailer — but what about game mechanics? Under the Waves will have a submarine, as well as swimming, and you’ll journey through “caves, wrecks, and submerged plants in search of backstory pieces, salvageable waste, collectibles, and more.” I wouldn’t have expected craftable equipment. We’ll see how involved it is.

Under the Waves is coming to PC (Steam and the Epic Games Store), PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in 2023.