During the Xbox Games Showcase developer Studio Meadowflower, in partnership with publisher Serenity Forge, unveiled Vivarium, game which draws heavy inspiration from classic anime with its hand-illustrated visuals and is currently in development for Xbox Series X|S & Windows PC in close collaboration with Crunchyroll and Shochiku.
To me the main appeal of Vivarium is its hand-illustrated visuals, of which looks to pay homage to classic anime titles in the 70s and 80s, such as Heidi: Girl of the Alps older Studio Ghibli films, but the game will also offer a unique experience that will see the world come alive.
In Vivarium you play as Jenny, a resident of the terrarium, but this interestingly this isn’t her story. Instead you’ll explore a “perfect” pocket world to reveal its secrets and progress through a non-linear narrative shaped by your choices. As part of the experience you’ll meet townspeople, craft items, looking after crops, and discover hidden collectibles throughout the terrarium town.
About: Step into a summer that never ends as Jenny, a bright and energetic resident of a tiny terrarium town. Vivarium syncs to your real-world calendar to bring daily narrative events and quests throughout its emotional campaign. Spend your days completing quests for peculiar neighbors, overcoming environmental puzzles, or tending to your garden and home.
As it stands Vivarium is currently in development for Xbox Series X|S & Windows PC, with its release planned for 2027. Further details will be announced in due time, but in the meantime you can enjoy the beautiful announcement trailer made during the Xbox Games Showcase.The game can also be added to your wishlist on Steam.
