Exploring the digital depths: Six video games about the ocean to get hooked on

From tranquil scuba dives to thrilling pirate adventures, video games offer a captivating way to experience the mysteries and wonders of the ocean without ever getting wet. Whether you’re in the mood to glide through a vibrant underwater paradise, brave treacherous seas, or simply meditate in a serene blue space, there’s an ocean-themed game that will take you there.

This beautifully crafted game brings the marine world to life with striking realism and attention to detail. A marine conservationist’s dream, the aim of the game is to heal the ocean by removing harmful forces and restoring it to a healthy state – something we’re working on in real life .

Players can also take the time to ‘meditate’ on special pedestals to simply observe the marine environment around them, adding a serene, contemplative layer to the already calming gameplay. This feature helps reminds players of the deep connection between blue spaces and mental well-being while bringing these benefits into our home.

While the game is notorious for its challenging difficulty, there’s a unique beauty in playing as Ecco. You’ll experience the excitement of breaching the water’s surface with somersaults, using echolocation to map your surroundings, and communicating with other sea creatures—all while managing Ecco's need to surface for air, a constant reminder of his mammalian nature.

If this game inspires you to explore the depths of our seas to discover what sea creatures lurk below, why not check out our Seasearch programme for a real-world oceanic exploration?

Whether you’re navigating through a storm, harnessing the wind to glide over calm waters, or charting a course to hidden treasures, the game immerses you in the experience of life at sea.

If you've ever wanted to experience the thrill of sailing the high seas with friends, Sea of Thieves could be the perfect game for you. Set in a vast open world, this multiplayer adventure invites you and your friends to become a pirate crew, sailing across endless seas filled with mysteries and opportunities. Whether you’re navigating through a storm, harnessing the wind to glide over calm waters, or charting a course to hidden treasures, the game immerses you in the experience of life at sea.

From raiding island forts to engaging in fierce ship battles, every action is shaped by the ever-changing ocean. You’ll learn to read the waves, catch the wind, and adapt to the unpredictable weather—just like the seafarers of old. For those who prefer to journey alone, the game also offers a single-player mode, where you can chart your own course and personally connect with the deep blue waters as your pilot your very own sloop.

The sensation of being watched, the shadows of strange creatures moving in the murky depths, and the unsettling sound design effectively convey the vulnerability of a lone vessel in the vast sea. It’s enough to make even non-thalassophobes (people not afraid of deep water) feel unnerved. What Dredge does best is evoke a sense of the unknown and remind players of the need to respect the ocean—before it chooses not to respect them.

Koral allows you to truly immerse yourself in life under the waves, with players taking on the role of the ocean itself. In this simple yet engaging game, players solving puzzles to restore coral reefs and bring life back to the underwater environment. Like Abzû, Koral focusses on the ocean’s beauty and wonder, encouraging players to explore its serene environment at their own pace.

This game involves straightforward gameplay and controls, making it accessible to players of all abilities, including those with limited mobility and those new to gaming. This simplicity makes Koral an excellent introduction not only to easy, effective gameplay but also to the importance of protecting our marine ecosystems and the diverse life they support.

If you own a VR headset, Kayak VR: Mirage offers a uniquely immersive way to explore the beauty and diversity of various marine environments. The game transports players to stunning oceanic environments, from crystal-clear tropical lagoons to rugged, wave-battered coastlines, all recreated with impressive realism and detail. With dynamic weather systems, realistic water physics, and the sounds of the sea surrounding you, it captures the awe-inspiring yet tranquil nature of ocean kayaking in the comfort of your own home.

By inviting players to connect with marine environments in a way that feels authentic and personal, Kayak VR: Mirage not only entertains but also inspires a deeper respect and love for our blue planet.

If you’ve played any of the games listed above or have other suggestions for fellow ocean enthusiasts and gamers to try, tell us! You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.