POOLS Launching on Steam in April

An Experimental Exploration Game

Jyväskylä, Finland –March 11, 2024– Independent development studio Tensori will be releasing POOLS, an experimental exploration game, on Steam at the end of April 2024.

POOLS is an adventure game that provides an experience reminiscent of an art gallery, focusing on exploration and ambient sounds, while inducing a sense of isolation and tension through minimalistic gameplay and the absence of traditional threats like monsters.

The absence of a user interface, dialogue, and background music in the game is compensated by immersive sound design that adapts to the environment, enhancing realism and tension; for instance, walking in water slows movement, contributing to a heightened sense of presence and atmosphere.

In POOLS, traditional story elements, characters, and in-game notes are absent, yet as players progress, they’ll observe the dynamic transformation of the game world, encountering diverse rooms and distinct mysteries in each chapter, fostering a continuous sense of exploration and intrigue.

Currently, the game consists of six distinctive chapters, with gameplay ranging from 10 to 30 minutes per chapter.

Features

Immersive art gallery-like experience with emphasis on observation and sound.

Maze-like environments challenge navigation skills.

The absence of traditional game elements creates an oppressive atmosphere.

Sound design enhances immersion without background music or dialogue.

Evolving game world across six unique chapters with distinct mysteries.

Chapters offer playtime of 10 to 30 minutes each.

About Tensori

Tensori, established in Jyväskylä, Finland in 2021, is a startup composed of a dedicated team of Finnish gamers/developers united by a passion: to innovate in the gaming industry.

Antti Järvinen, Founder of Tensori, 8th March 2024:

“I hope for a gaming industry that’s less cautious and embraces boldness. As an enthusiast, it seems to me that a number of modern games are “lost potential” – they lack distinctiveness and genuine passion. I also don’t like sneaky ways of making money or broken, unfinished games. Our ambition is to become a pivotal force in revitalising the gaming industry’s enthusiasm. Where we see lost potential, we get excited. We want to craft games that are true reflections of creativity and dedication. We’re committed to going beyond the norm, focusing meticulously on details, rigorously testing our games, and more.

“We believe in an old-school marketplace where ‘What you see is what you get.’. We stand for transparency and value, ensuring gamers receive quality and enjoyment worth their investment. Of course, all of this is easier said than done. The only way to prove this to gamers is…to make great games. Actions speak louder than words.”