Serenity Forge and developer Studio Meadowflower have officially unveiled Vivarium, a hand-drawn life-sim adventure inspired by classic anime, during the Xbox Games Showcase 2026. The new title is scheduled to launch on PC and Xbox in 2027 and is being developed in collaboration with Crunchyroll and Shochiku Games.
The game follows 11-year-old Jenny, a cheerful resident of a miniature terrarium town where daily life revolves around simple routines, friendships, and exploration. At first, the community appears idyllic, offering a peaceful escape from the pressures of modern life. However, strange occurrences gradually begin to disrupt the town’s tranquility, leading Jenny to uncover deeper mysteries surrounding her seemingly perfect world.
Vivarium features a hand-illustrated visual style influenced by classic animated works, with players exploring a detailed overworld that changes over time. New story events and discoveries become available with each in-game day, encouraging players to return regularly as the narrative unfolds.
Progression is tied to completing major quests and story milestones, which move time forward within the world. During evenings, players are free to spend their time however they choose. Activities include tending a garden, preparing meals, decorating Jenny’s home, and expanding collections of books and vinyl records gathered throughout the adventure.
While much of the experience focuses on everyday life and community interactions, Vivarium also incorporates a branching narrative system. Conversations and player decisions can influence both the environment and the people living within the terrarium, affecting character storylines and leading to different outcomes.
According to Serenity Forge and Studio Meadowflower, the game’s evolving world and choice-driven storytelling are designed to encourage multiple playthroughs, allowing players to discover new events, relationships, and endings as they continue exploring the secrets hidden within Jenny’s tiny home.
Vivarium is currently planned for release on PC and Xbox platforms in 2027.
