How “Fish ’em Up” Was Born – From Game Jam Idea to Baltic Boar Project

Every game has a story behind it. For UAB Baltic Boar, innovation often begins with a meaningful idea — and that is exactly how Fish ’em Up was born.

The origins of the game trace back to Kaunas, Lithuania, during the annual Global Game Jam, one of the world’s largest game creation hackathons. It was there, in a fast-paced and creative environment, that the first concept for what would later become Fish ’em Up took shape.

Inspired by a Real Environmental Problem

The initial idea was inspired by a serious issue affecting the region — pollution in the Baltic Sea. The early prototype, originally titled “Light at the End of the Bubble,” told a symbolic and visually striking story.

In the game’s first version, a giant bubble rises from the depths of the ocean, lifting Baltic Sea creatures toward the surface — a surface filled with garbage and pollution. The contrast between life below and waste above formed the emotional core of the concept.

To visually communicate the difference between clean and polluted water, the early prototype used hand-painted watercolor artwork. The soft gradients and organic textures created a powerful atmosphere, reinforcing the environmental message behind the gameplay.

From Hackathon Prototype to Long-Term Vision

Even in its earliest form, the game attracted strong interest during Global Game Jam. The concept resonated with players and fellow creators alike, proving that games can combine entertainment with meaningful themes.

This early success encouraged the author to continue developing the idea beyond the hackathon stage. What started as a rapid prototype evolved into a more structured and ambitious project under UAB Baltic Boar.

For Baltic Boar, Fish ’em Up represents more than just another title — it reflects the company’s creative philosophy: combining engaging gameplay mechanics with relevant social and environmental themes.

A Commitment to Purpose-Driven Game Design

With projects such as Marijampolė, Politiškės, Dream City, and now Fish ’em Up, UAB Baltic Boar continues to demonstrate its ability to transform local inspiration into distinctive gaming experiences.

The journey of Fish ’em Up — from a watercolor hackathon experiment to a fully developed concept — shows how strong ideas, when nurtured with passion and persistence, can grow into impactful creative projects.

At Baltic Boar, every game begins with a story. And sometimes, that story starts at the bottom of the sea.