Those from Below takes you on a virtual reality journey through a particularly somber chapter of history—a tragic mining accident—delivered in a documentary format. Crafted by the talented team at Causa Creations, this interactive experience is part of the broader MEMENTOES project. The initiative’s grand vision is to leverage VR technology in collaboration with museums to illuminate historical wrongs, offering more than just knowledge—it aims to build empathy and a deeper comprehension of bygone eras by teaming up with indie developers.
This specific installment shines a light on the catastrophic Marcinelle mining disaster of 1956, where a mishap involving an overloaded coal wagon led to a fire at Belgium’s Bois du Cazier coal mine. The tragedy claimed 262 lives, many of whom were Italian immigrants, and remains etched as one of Belgium’s gravest mining incidents.
At Reboot Develop 2025, we were fortunate to experience a snippet of this virtual narrative on the Quest 3. The experience begins before the catastrophe unfolds, immersing players in the harsh realities faced by miners—both in their workplaces and living quarters—before the explosion. Players navigate this digital world using sophisticated hand-tracking and gaze-detection technology, making for a strikingly realistic portrayal.
Although my time with Those from Below was brief, it’s clear that this project offers a compelling method for diving into historical events via deeply engaging 3D environments. It follows in the footsteps of earlier projects like JFK Memento and MLK: Now is the Time, which focused on significant American issues.
Currently, no official release date or additional platform details have been announced for Those from Below, but rest assured, we’ll keep you posted with any new information as it arrives.
