Those From Below: A VR Journey Through a Tragic Mining Disaster

Those from Below takes you on a deep dive into history, offering an interactive VR experience that sheds light on a tragic mining disaster. Created by Causa Creations, this intriguing project is part of the larger MEMENTOES initiative, which aims to partner with museums to bring historical injustices to life through the power of virtual reality. By teaming up with independent developers, they strive to create immersive experiences that foster empathy and understanding of past events.

This particular installment centers on the Marcinelle mining disaster that struck in 1956 at Belgium’s Bois du Cazier coal mine. The tragedy began with an electrical fire ignited by a coal wagon mishandled in a lift, ultimately claiming the lives of 262 miners, many of whom were Italian migrants. This disaster stands out as one of Belgium’s most significant mining catastrophes.

At Reboot Develop 2025, I had the chance to get a brief but profound taste of the game on Quest 3. The journey takes you down into the depths of the mines, exploring the harsh realities and poor conditions these miners faced before the explosion. Employing hand-tracking controls and gaze detection, the game immerses you in this poignant slice of history.

While my experience with Those from Below was limited, its unique approach captivates with its exploration of real-life historical events in immersive 3D environments. It builds on past successes such as JFK Memento and MLK: Now is the Time, which delved into significant U.S. history.

As for when you can expect Those from Below to be available on other platforms, details are still under wraps. We’ll keep you posted with any new information as it comes to light.