Established in 1989, Revolution Software, based in Yorkshire, began its journey with Lure of the Temptress, a cutting-edge 3D point-and-click adventure game powered by Revolution’s Virtual Theatre engine. Co-founded by Charles Cecil, Tony Warriner, Noirin Carmody, and David Sykes, Revolution faced the challenge of developing their next game while wrapping up Lure of the Temptress.

Seeking creative inspiration, Warriner and Cummins embarked on a week-long retreat to a remote cottage in North Wales. Upon their return, they presented a comprehensive 12-page design for Revolution’s upcoming project, laying the foundation for one of the most acclaimed point-and-click games in history.

Beneath a Steel Sky follows the story of Robert Foster, raised by Aboriginals in ‘The Gap’, a wilderness sandwiched between towering megacities. When chaos ensues with the arrival of security officers from Union City, Foster is forcibly taken back to the city, setting the stage for an exploration of a dystopian society rife with corruption and exploitation.

Under Charles Cecil’s direction, Beneath a Steel Sky, originally named Underworld, commenced production leveraging an enhanced version of Virtual Theatre engine from Lure. Notably, the game departed from the traditional point-and-click interface, streamlining player interactions to simple left and right mouse-clicks based on crucial feedback.

The game’s interface featured only two primary actions – interact and look – reducing unnecessary complexity while maintaining player engagement. This shift towards a more intuitive gameplay experience set a new standard in the point-and-click genre. With a focus on a darker and more realistic storyline, Beneath a Steel Sky differentiated itself from the lighthearted tone of its counterparts.

Visually inspired by Terry Gilliam’s film Brazil and George Orwell’s 1984, Beneath a Steel Sky’s striking aesthetics, spearheaded by artist Dave Gibbons, set a new benchmark in graphic design for the genre. The game’s narrative depth and intricate puzzles contributed to its critical acclaim and lasting impact on adventure gaming.

Beneath a Steel Sky’s success marked a turning point for Revolution Software, leading to a fruitful partnership with Virgin and paving the way for the iconic Broken Sword series. The game’s innovative design and narrative depth continue to resonate with adventure gaming enthusiasts, cementing its status as a timeless classic in the genre.