An independent art game that lets you create your own fish to nurture is surprisingly causing emotional reactions.

As people grow up, they often label themselves as artists or not. However, children don’t make that distinction; every child creates art, and that artist remains inside adults. This might explain why the trailer for the art game Drawquarium is evoking strong emotions.

The Drawquarium trailer has received millions of views on social media, with many viewers sharing their heartfelt reactions. Some people on YouTube expressed a mix of feelings and noted that the game’s advertisement made them tear up. Others described the trailer as adorable and charming, commenting on its emotional impact. Viewers highlighted how it resonated with deep feelings about pursuing joy versus financial stability.

The game’s concept is straightforward: players draw their own fish, which then inhabit a virtual aquarium. Users care for these fish and observe them swimming. The trailer stands out due to its relatable storytelling, particularly the struggle between pursuing a joyful career and choosing financial security. Many can connect with the idea of delaying artistic passions for a more practical path.

Additionally, the game taps into the wonder of childhood imagination. Children don’t aim for perfection when they draw; they create representations of the fantastical fish in their minds. Seeing these drawings animated brings back nostalgic feelings. The game also addresses current concerns about artificial intelligence in the creative field, emphasizing the importance of human-made art.

Drawquarium was created by Kaleb Lechowski, a 3D artist based in Berlin. He began working on the game about a year and a half ago to see if he could animate children’s artwork. Lechowski explained that players can draw fish and plants, care for them, and collect items to enhance their underwater worlds. He noted that the trailer is more story-focused than typical, reflecting his background in film.

Players can find a free demo of Drawquarium on Steam, with the full game set to launch on November 13. While the price has not been officially confirmed, Lechowski suggested that it would be under $10 during its initial release.

What do you think about games that encourage creativity in this way?

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