# Before We Leave

> 2020 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q109929323](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109929323)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_We_Leave)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/before-we-leave

## Summary
*Before We Leave* is a 2020 city-building video game developed by New Zealand-based studio Balancing Monkey Games. It is a single-player indie game where players rebuild civilization after humanity flees Earth, emphasizing non-violent gameplay and resource management. The game is published by Team17 and is available on multiple platforms, including PC, macOS, and consoles.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: Initially launched on March 30, 2020, for Microsoft Windows and macOS via the Epic Games Store.
- **Developer**: Balancing Monkey Games, a New Zealand-based studio founded in 2017 and headquartered in Dunedin.
- **Publisher**: Team17 (for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation platforms) and Balancing Monkey Games (for Epic Games Store).
- **Genre**: City-building game with a focus on non-violent gameplay and civilization rebuilding.
- **Platforms**: Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.
- **Game Modes**: Single-player only.
- **Ratings**: PEGI 7, indicating suitability for players aged 7 and above.
- **Languages**: Supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Turkish, and Japanese.
- **Critical Reception**: Received a 75/100 score from OpenCritic (based on 28 reviews) and a 69% recommendation rate from critics.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the premise of *Before We Leave*?
A: The game is set after humanity has fled Earth, leaving behind a ruined planet. Players must rebuild civilization by managing resources, constructing buildings, and expanding their settlements without engaging in combat.

### Q: Who developed *Before We Leave*?
A: The game was developed by Balancing Monkey Games, a New Zealand-based indie studio founded in 2017.

### Q: On which platforms is *Before We Leave* available?
A: The game is available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.

### Q: Is *Before We Leave* a multiplayer game?
A: No, the game is single-player only, focusing on solo city-building and resource management.

### Q: What makes *Before We Leave* unique compared to other city-building games?
A: The game stands out for its non-violent gameplay, emphasizing peaceful civilization rebuilding and resource management without combat mechanics.

## Why It Matters
*Before We Leave* offers a refreshing take on the city-building genre by prioritizing non-violent gameplay and strategic resource management. In an industry often dominated by combat-heavy titles, this game provides a calming and thoughtful experience, appealing to players who enjoy simulation and strategy without aggression. Its focus on rebuilding civilization from scratch also resonates with themes of sustainability and renewal, making it relevant in contemporary discussions about environmental and societal resilience. Additionally, as an indie game developed in New Zealand, it highlights the creativity and innovation emerging from smaller studios outside traditional gaming hubs.

## Notable For
- **Non-violent gameplay**: Unlike many city-building or strategy games, *Before We Leave* avoids combat, focusing instead on peaceful civilization development.
- **Indie development**: Created by Balancing Monkey Games, a small studio based in New Zealand, showcasing the potential of indie developers in the gaming industry.
- **Multi-platform availability**: Released on a wide range of platforms, including PC, macOS, and consoles, making it accessible to a broad audience.
- **Positive critical reception**: Earned favorable reviews, with a 75/100 score on OpenCritic, indicating strong approval from critics.
- **Language support**: Offers localization in 10 languages, enhancing its global appeal and accessibility.

## Body
### Development and Release
*Before We Leave* was developed by Balancing Monkey Games, a studio founded in 2017 and based in Dunedin, New Zealand. The game was first released on March 30, 2020, for Microsoft Windows and macOS via the Epic Games Store. It later expanded to other platforms, including Steam (May 13, 2021) and the Microsoft Store (November 23, 2021), with support for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 4. The game was published by Team17 for most platforms, while Balancing Monkey Games handled publishing for the Epic Games Store version.

### Gameplay Mechanics
The game is a single-player city-building simulation where players rebuild civilization after humanity has abandoned Earth. Key mechanics include:
- **Resource Management**: Players gather and allocate resources to construct buildings and expand their settlements.
- **Non-violent Gameplay**: Unlike many strategy games, *Before We Leave* does not feature combat, focusing instead on peaceful development.
- **Civilization Expansion**: Players must explore and reclaim the planet, restoring it to a habitable state while managing the needs of their population.

### Platforms and Distribution
*Before We Leave* is available on the following platforms:
- **PC**: Microsoft Windows and macOS.
- **Consoles**: PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.
The game is distributed digitally through platforms such as the Microsoft Store, Epic Games Store, Steam, and the PlayStation Store.

### Critical Reception
The game has received generally positive reviews from critics. On OpenCritic, it holds a score of 75/100 based on 28 reviews, with a 69% recommendation rate from 32 critics. These scores reflect its well-received gameplay mechanics and unique approach to the city-building genre.

### Localization and Accessibility
*Before We Leave* supports multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Turkish, and Japanese. This broad language support enhances its accessibility to a global audience.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "VideoGame",
  "name": "Before We Leave",
  "description": "A 2020 city-building video game developed by Balancing Monkey Games, where players rebuild civilization after humanity flees Earth.",
  "url": "https://www.balancingmonkeygames.com/before-we-leave",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106327583", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_We_Leave"],
  "gamePlatform": ["Microsoft Windows", "macOS", "PlayStation 4", "Xbox Series X", "Xbox Series S", "PlayStation 5"],
  "author": {"@type": "Organization", "name": "Balancing Monkey Games"},
  "genre": "City-building game"
}

## References

1. Microsoft Store
2. Epic Games Store
3. Steam
4. OpenCritic
5. [Q131917281](https://criticdb.com/games/before-we-leave)
6. GameSpot
7. [Before We Leave | Deku Deals](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/before-we-leave)
8. Game Informer
9. Trovo Live
10. Q124398839
11. GamesMeter.nl
12. PlayStation Store
13. Q117506892
14. Q131917281