Restore the Balance in What Surrounds Us
French indie developer Florent “Salty” Martinais has announced that his debut title, What Surrounds Us, will take part in Steam Next Fest 2026 with a playable demo available for attendees. The demo invites players to experience the opening 15 minutes of this short, abstract, and cozy adventure.
In What Surrounds Us, players take on the role of a small creature evolving within a fragile ecosystem disrupted by the sudden arrival of an unknown species. As the environment begins to shift, players must observe changes in the surrounding flora and fauna. And uncover how different species interact, and solve light environmental puzzles to move forward. Through careful observation and interaction, they may even find ways to restore balance to their world.
Blending experimental and cozy design philosophies, the game focuses on environmental awareness rather than traditional combat or high-stakes conflict. Its core gameplay loop encourages players to study their surroundings, understand ecological relationships, and use those insights to progress organically.
The game draws inspiration from the abstraction of In Other Waters, the exploration-driven warmth of A Short Hike, and the atmosphere and themes of Neva. While What Surrounds Us carries a clear ecological subtext as it avoids heavy-handed messaging. Instead, it aims to create a calming and hopeful experience around a topic that often feels overwhelming.
What Surrounds Us is currently slated for release on PC in Q2 2026.