Biolum

Released Dec 2021

Biolum is a 30min VR sci-fi narrative experience. Dive to uncharted depths of the ocean and discover a beautiful world of bioluminescent creatures. But all is not what it seems. What lies beneath the surface?

82% positive · 122 reviews

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Where to buy

Steam Updated 10 Oct 2026 $3.99

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Evaluation

Biolum is a self-contained 30-minute VR narrative experience that launched on December 2, 2021. The store description explicitly describes it as "a 30 minute narrative experience with light interactivity" — it was designed and sold as a complete, finite product from day one. There is no season pass, no DLC, and no post-launch content roadmap. Following launch, the developer shipped one compatibility and quality-of-life patch (version 1.2, on June 30, 2022) to address OpenXR headset compatibility issues. That patch was the last official communication from the developer, and it contained no hints of future content or ongoing development plans. No further posts, announcements, or updates have appeared since June 30, 2022. Given the nature of the product — a short, story-driven experience with a defined beginning and end — this silence is consistent with a project that launched as intended and has since been maintained only as needed. There are no unreleased DLC listings, no announced future content, and no developer statements suggesting additional content is planned.

Evidence

Launch announcement confirms the game is released and invites players to share feedback, with no mention of planned post-launch content or roadmap.

news post · Dec 2, 2021 source content shipped

high

Store description explicitly describes Biolum as 'a 30 minute narrative experience with light interactivity' — a clearly scoped, finite product with no mention of future content or expansions.

description source development ending

high

Media

Details

Developer

IKO

Publisher

Astrea

Achievements

Platform

Windows

Controller

—

Steam Deck

Not rated

Players

Single-player

Horror Sci-fi Exploration VR Indie Action-Adventure Underwater Submarine First-Person Story Rich Choose Your Own Adventure Linear Realistic 6DOF Adventure

About this game

Biolum is a 30 minute narrative experience with light interactivity.

ABOUT BIOLUM : TAKE THE PLUNGE

Biolum brings us on an immersive mission into the deepest depths of the ocean to explore the abyss through the perspective of scientific researcher Rachel, voiced by Dominique Tipper (The Expanse). Rachel is guided by expedition leader Eva, a renowned marine scientist, played by Charlotte Rampling (Denis Villeneuve's Dune). As we discover the mysteries of this bioluminescent VR underworld, it becomes clear that this relationship is not as simple as we thought…

PARASITIC BIOLUMINESCENCE

Rachael discovers that a luminescent parasite is infecting the ocean flora and fauna. Glowing hybrid underwater oddities swim around us as Rachel and Eva try to understand the scientific meaning. The beautiful bioluminescence is wreaking havoc on the natural ecosystems. How could this have happened and what does it mean?

COSMIC WONDER OF THE GREAT UNKNOWN

In this VR story, nothing is as it seems. What’s beautiful very quickly reveals itself to be contagious, and perhaps more dangerous than ever imagined. As Rachel gets infected by these parasites, she faces a mesmeric fight for her mind and body. Inspired by the beauty of deep sea life, Biolum blurs the lines between biological truth and sci-fi and taps into existential themes and cosmic wonder of the great unknown.

FEATURES

Light interactivity woven throughout that advances the storyline and encourages you to become Rachel and immerse yourself into her exploration
Available in English, French, and Chinese,
A 30 min interactive and narrative experience
Spatialized immersive sound enhances the sensations of the deep ocean and the proximity of danger and beauty that surrounds you
AWARDS: SXSW Audience Award, NewImages, UNIFRANCE Award, Courant3D, VR Grand Prix