Creatures of the Reef 3D Game
An underwater adventure exploring the wonders of the reef.
Creatures of the Reef is an interactive underwater adventure that invites visitors to dive beneath the surface and explore the vibrant biodiversity of a living coral reef. Blending playful discovery with bite-sized learning, the experience combines immersive 3D animation, science, and storytelling to bring the reef to life.
Brief
The challenge was to create an experience that highlighted the rich biodiversity of coral reefs and their importance within marine ecosystems. The goal was to inspire curiosity, educate visitors about the reef’s hidden inhabitants, and encourage a deeper connection to the natural world — all through a fun, interactive format designed to engage audiences of all ages.
Our Approach
Working closely with the Natural History Museum, we set out to design an experience that immersed players in the reef’s vibrant ecosystem. We wanted visitors to feel as though they were diving beneath the surface — freely exploring a living, breathing habitat brought to life through science and storytelling.
To achieve this, we collaborated with 3D modellers, animators, and museum biologists to ensure scientific accuracy and visual authenticity. Every creature was modelled and animated in meticulous detail, creating an experience that was both educational and captivating. The interface was deliberately kept simple and intuitive, allowing players to focus on exploration and discovery rather than complex controls.
We wanted players to feel as though they were diving beneath the surface — exploring a living reef brought to life through science and storytelling.
Our Solution
An interactive game that invites visitors to dive into a virtual coral reef and explore its diverse marine life. Using a joystick and single-button control, players navigate a 360-degree environment, zoom in on details, and search for five distinct lifeforms before their virtual air supply runs out.
Each discovery triggered a short animation of the creature and presents bite-sized educational content, blending entertainment with learning. The countdown timer adds a sense of excitement and jeopardy, encouraging focus, critical thinking, and observational skills as players search the reef.
By combining immersive 3D animation, intuitive interaction, and scientific expertise, we created a hands-on digital experience that deepens understanding of marine biodiversity and inspires curiosity about life beneath the ocean.
This project was about making science playful — turning discovery into an adventure while staying true to the incredible diversity of life on the reef.