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Soma

Soma is a 2015 survival horror video game developed and published by Frictional Games.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Soma is a 2015 survival horror video game developed and published by Frictional Games. Set in an underwater research facility called PATHOS-II, it follows Simon Jarrett as he explores themes of consciousness, identity, and human existence.

Gameplay

Soma is played from a first-person perspective and focuses on exploration, stealth, and narrative progression rather than direct combat. Its survival horror structure emphasises tension and avoidance of threats.

Plot and setting

The story is set in 2104 at PATHOS-II, an underwater research facility in the North Atlantic Ocean. The player follows Simon Jarrett, who encounters machines and systems that display human-like consciousness.

Development and release

Soma was developed and published by Frictional Games, a Swedish studio known for horror games. It launched in 2015 on PC and PlayStation 4, later coming to Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Themes

The game is widely noted for philosophical themes involving identity, consciousness, and the nature of personhood. These ideas are central to its story and atmosphere.

Key facts

  • Soma is a first-person survival horror game with psychological and science-fiction elements.
  • It was developed and published by Frictional Games and first released on 22 September 2015.
  • The game is set in the PATHOS-II underwater research facility in the North Atlantic Ocean.
  • Its story explores themes of consciousness, identity, and what it means to be human.
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Canadian context

Soma has been released on widely used North American platforms including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, making it readily available to Canadian players.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of game is Soma?
Soma is a first-person survival horror video game with psychological and science-fiction elements.
Who developed Soma?
It was developed and published by Frictional Games.
When was Soma released?
It was first released on 22 September 2015 for Windows, macOS, Linux, and PlayStation 4.
What platforms is Soma available on?
It has been released for Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
What is Soma about?
The game follows Simon Jarrett in an underwater research facility while exploring questions about consciousness, identity, and humanity.
Is Soma part of a series?
It is a standalone title from Frictional Games and is not part of the Amnesia series.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soma_(video_game)
    Supports: Developer, release dates, platforms, setting, genre, and plot overview
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/SOMA-video-game
    Supports: Developer, release date, genre, themes, and protagonist overview
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frictional_Games
    Supports: Frictional Games being the developer and its Swedish origin
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/soma
    Supports: Basic premise, perspective, content description, and release date