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Abzu: A Video Game Inspired by Scuba Diving

Abzu: A Video Game Inspired by Scuba Diving

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on August 20, 2016

The developers of the terrestrial-based video games Journey and Flower are now venturing beneath the sea. Known for creating beautifully ethereal worlds for gamers to explore, they’ve released their latest offering: Abzu, a video game inspired by scuba diving.

In the game, players dive under the ocean and travel through a dazzling world in the signature style of game developer Matt Nava, which features vibrant colors, expansive scenery, and surreal landscapes. To get a true grasp of what the world looks like underwater, the design team traveled to aquariums, went on whale watching tours, and (of course) went scuba diving. They were avid viewers of documentaries like The Blue Planet, and took inspiration from Dr. Sylvia Earle and her film Mission Blue. Earle, Sir David Attenborough, and Jacques Cousteau are named in the Special Thanks section of the game credits.

There are hundreds of species of marine life portrayed in the game. They and the human characters seen in the game are a blend of realistic and cartoon animation. While not one hundred percent true to their real form, the fish and mammals of this virtual undersea world are still very detailed in their appearance and movements, which were modeled after close study of actual specimens. In addition to the marine animals, there are corals, kelp forests, and even tiny particles in the water, all of which add up to a pretty lifelike ocean world.

Players guide their scuba diving character through a number of different environments like brightly colored reefs, deep pelagic waters, and dark abysses. There are, of course, secrets to uncover, like hidden architectural ruins.

Nava, who formed a new team at the aptly named Giant Squid Studios to create Abzu, hopes his game will encourage an emotional connection between players and the sea. A rich orchestral score combined with ambient underwater sounds enhances the experience. The name Abzu is derived from two ancient words interpreted as “to know water.” The game was released early in August and is available for PlayStation 4 or Microsoft Windows. Get a glimpse into this mesmerizing underwater world here.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro