POOLS is an atmospheric exploration game that immerses the player in environments inspired by internet phenomena like 'Liminal spaces,' 'Found footage,' and 'Backrooms' (specifically 'Poolrooms'). The experience focuses heavily on environmental sound design to create a sense of presence, rather than traditional gameplay mechanics.

• Atmospheric exploration inspired by 'Backrooms Pools' and 'Poolrooms' concepts.
• Focuses on environmental sound design; no background music, dialogue, or user interface is present.
• Gameplay involves navigating mazes and challenging navigation skills, though there are very few puzzles to solve.
• The game plays on feelings of oppression, fear of getting lost, darkness, and tight spaces.
• Features six unique chapters, each taking between 10 to 30 minutes to complete.
• The game world dynamically changes as you explore further, with rooms looking and feeling different in each chapter.
• Sound design is reactive; echoes and sounds change based on the room you are in.
• Movement speed is reduced when walking in water, enhancing realism and tension.

• Platform: PlayStation 5
• Brand: RED ART GAMES
• Age Rating: Ages 12 & Over
• Supported Languages: German, Spanish, English, French
• Release Date: 2026-07-09
• Item Model Number: 3760328375606
• Country of Origin: Austria

POOLS draws inspiration from internet phenomena such as 'Liminal spaces,' 'Found footage,' and 'Backrooms' (specifically 'Backrooms Pools' or 'Poolrooms'). Specific inspirations include the work of Jared Pike (one of the original artists behind the Poolrooms concept), Matt Studios Poolrooms videos from 2022, Mortain Colors, Anemoiapolis by Andrew Quist, and Kane Pixels: The Backrooms.

Experience a unique, oppressive atmosphere built entirely through environmental interaction and sound in POOLS for PlayStation 5.