New series "Evolution Simulated", starting under water (🧬Evolution Simulated #1)

This is the first video of a new series, showcasing simulation videogame The Sapling, where we follow one planet for a longer time. We study all the ecosystems that all evolve, and how they change over time.
0:00 Intro
0:39 Designing the planet
2:04 The first algae
3:25 The first animals
4:56 The first unsuccesful land plants
5:36 Eggs and corpses on land
6:33 Body size increase
7:29 Land plants
7:49 Outro
Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/99...
Itch: woseseltops.itch.io/thesapling
Twitter: / thesaplinggame
Website: thesaplinggame.com/
Fan initiatives:
* Discord / discord
* Reddit / thesapling

[@n0b0dy15]

Please continue with series like this, because i don't have a pc so this is the only way i can see how the evolution works in this game

[@foxredjb781]

Me too, man... ;^;

[@lucassousa2549]

Me too (⁠╯⁠︵⁠╰⁠,⁠)

[@nate7838]

Same

[@garnaudiz]

I agree, I have a PC, but it can't handle larger simulations, so I'd like to see this series continue as well 😅

[@f.u.m.o.5669]

Skill issue

[@givemeawand]

The idea of an early fish species going onto land solely to lay its eggs, killing itself in the process is actually kinda cool.

[@radar9643]

I feel like it already exists in real life

[@TexasRailfan09]

@@radar9643 if you think about it, it's very closely related to earlier fish, where they'd lay their eggs on land and return to water

[@deckjuk]

1:1 pls

[@ghosty4712]

I bought this game a few days ago and I can’t stop playing ;_; this is one of the most funnest games I’ve played

[@canadianmagpie2053]

the best part is when your creatures overpopulate before predators evolve and inevitably crash your pc

[@ImpossiblySimple]

ik im late but how much does it cost?

[@zareverso340]

@@canadianmagpie2053 yeah

[@zareverso340]

@@ImpossiblySimple 10 bucks

[@Childneglecter]

@@zareverso340 its expensive for where the game is right now ill probably wait

[@DustyNyah]

I have a suggestion but it may be a little difficult to implement. What if subterranean life was added? I was thinking viewing underground tunnels and cafe systems could be a similar function to moving through levels of a house in the Sims 4. There could be burrowing behaviors and such and then some that permanently live underground. It could be a way animals and plants combat heat and predation.

[@revimfadli4666]

With Astroneer-style digging?

[@DustyNyah]

@@revimfadli4666 maybe yeah

[@revimfadli4666]

@@grenadaball7655 making dents or holes in the procedurally-generated surface, unlike removing objects like in minecraft

[@favdoggie]

@@revimfadli4666 I think that would be to complicated

[@revimfadli4666]

@@favdoggie not to Sam Hogan apparently?

[@lakewaltz]

Ecosystem/evolution simulators like this are my favorite kinds of games! I'll definitely be buying this once I get my PC back

[@think-about-it-777]

this is awesome! The way I got here was I had the idea "I wonder if we could use AI and video game engines to simulate evolution" and I'm extremely pleased to see that people way smarter than me with more experience have done exactly that! I simply typed into KZbin "has anyone simulated evolution on a computer" and your video came up awesome. I do kind of feel bad that I'm not the first person to come up with the idea... but I want to say to you "geniuses think alike" lol

[@TheSapling]

Haha good to hear the algorithm thought of me there ;). Also, don't let the fact that other people already tried it to discourage you from giving your own spin on it... and if you do and want people to spread the word, let me know.

[@SimVRGtag]

I have an idea make a microscopic stage to get the true feeling of evolution you wont be able to see them but over the years you will see them slowly grow

[@TheSapling]

Hey AI zone, thanks for your suggestion! Any ideas on how that would work in terms of computer power? I guess the only way would be to fake things, to prevent everyone's machine catching fire?

[@johnteets490]

This series is what got me to buy the game. It's an amazing concept and very fun. Please, do more. And some guides. Getting creatures to evolve in all different kinds of ways is difficult for me right now. They turn out mostly the same for me. 😆

[@TheSapling]

Hey John, thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!

[@Bruwnie_]

I've been playing the game for a while now and I was wondering if eventually you would add pre-sets for planet creation. Like some pre-made environments for playing around with, as i've found it hard to make an environment suited for what I want to do.

[@TheSapling]

Hey Quinn, without making promises, I like this idea, thanks!

[@diapollockal8962]

I've always been captivated by Spore because of its evolution process. Years later, I found the KZbinr Primer and his videos documenting AI simulations, which intrigued me. And now here I am watching a video game project with both of those things combined. I'm always curious about what a random evolution simulation would do. Definitely subbing!!

[@cgstudiosthebaconbro]

Loving the new series bro and I got the game on steam like a yr ago, cant wait for ep 2 :)

[@insignificantduck313]

I was hoping that a video like this was made! I always adored the other evolution history videos that you made for the sapling, and seeing a series dedicated to that part of the game makes me so happy. I don't have a PC, so youtube content is the only way that I can look into stellar games like this. Thank you so much! I hope the series continues!

[@alejolab]

Great concept for your new series. And you make a great job at taking us through the evolutionary changes.

[@TheSapling]

Thanks AlejoLab :)

[@drtrashbin]

This is basically my dream game. Thanks for making such a great project!

[@IceLordCryo]

I love these sorts of "alien biology" videos!

[@IceLordCryo]

@@CoruscationsOfIneptitude yeah that’s the word I was forgetting lol.

[@theinformedtoast3377]

been a fan from the beginning and with this, 1000% gonna stay one♥

[@VelociraptorWithInternet]

So cool! Edit; can’t wait for the transition to land or possibly the sky

[@maker0824]

omg this is the coolest evolution sim I’ve seen. I need to check out more of this channel

[@angusstubbs2010]

this game has soooo much potential - i was just wondering whether adaptations for like algae and plants came from how easily they would be able to access light and carbon dioxide levels, because i feel like a lot of evolution simulation games dont touch on the effects of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere etc and how that effects the way they evolve

[@TheSapling]

Hi Angus, thanks for your input! This game also does not incorporate oxygen and carbon dioxide... any suggestions on how that would work?

[@piglin469]

@@TheSapling the more oxygen the larger stuff get

[@heidicoren4054]

Beautiful design of plants and animals. Also good accompanying text and clear explanation. Thank you very much.

[@Lovacain]

I have just bought your game a couple of hours ago and I have instantly loved it. Keep up the good work and I hope you continue to work on this game for years to come.

[@jacobgoodstone7572]

Extinction events would be a cool addition to the game. There is a random chance (say 0.1% per in game year, probably longer) that some natural disaster would happen, like an asteroid strike or sudden warming or cooling of the climate. For long evolution simulations it would be interesting to see how life evolves to these sudden changes, and what species don't make it Another addition could be different types of body plans. There would be the basic, fleshy one, but you could also have insect-like body plans with exoskeletons, or shelled creatures. Each type of body would have different types of unique legs, eyes, etc. Yet another idea! Continental drift (that one's pretty self-explanatory)

[@TheSapling]

Hey Jacob, without making promises, all 3 (random events/disasters, other body plans, slowly change what land masses are connected) are cool ideas if you ask me :)

[@jacobgoodstone7572]

@@TheSapling Thanks! Never thought you'd see this comment lol

[@gamingcat6034]

This is a masterpiece and cant wait to see part 2

[@solenoden]

This is pretty cool. I'd like to see more of this series.

[@MelodicDG2]

woah, this was really amazing; cant wait to see how the development goes!!!

[@rayhanmustakim7073]

Thank you for making the spiritual successor of Spores.

[@admiralhunchback6618]

The Sapling is everything I could have asked for, watching it improve, and evolve just like the creatures in it

[@LifeCodeGame]

Fascinating look into the evolution of life on this simulated planet! Can't wait to see what comes next.

[@aidanwhite5631]

Love this game. thank you for starting this series.

[@n0b0dy15]

Glad that you're alright lol. Chad series btw

[@zachbob5620]

magnificent, i am pleased after getting to see such a video as this one

[@spencerbrake7947]

bro you made this game?!?!?!?! what the HELL?! you are an incredible human being!!! this is so cool!

[@nate7838]

This is so cool

[@kopykat9310]

Any day you upload is a happy day :)

[@assasinhood]

Ive been watching this game progress for so long and I evolved so much

[@Writer-Two]

Whoa this is awesome please continue!

[@Thesnake847]

I love this evolution series, it’s very interesting. I might get this game one day 🤩

[@oo1o11o]

I'm going to play right now, awesome stuff!

[@Xdhorselover912]

sad i cant };

[@spacesaturnarts]

I'm so sad i missed the notification fir this episode!! But thus is exciting, mh favorite aspect of speculative evolution is seeing the species actually get to evolve! Very similar energy to the series by Biblaridion here on youtube

[@monster3339]

oh i love this series already!

[@nicholassimmons6864]

Please continue this series please because I can’t wait to see the land animal

[@gabegamez1018]

This game is relaxing and educational, this game is great for schools!

[@tomm811]

dude I love your game keep it up.

[@QuiteFantasticReally]

Awesome series im getting this game simulator soon for sure

[@Nasimakasa]

you have a wonderful way of making your audience feel involved!

[@Creativebb1]

I hope this series continues with that world

[@TheSapling]

It will, at least for episode #2 and #3!

[@Creativebb1]

@@TheSapling hey didnt know how else to get this answer,just recently bought the game bc of this series, but The algeas evovlving/mutating into land plants in this video does that come naturally in the game or do i need to make my first plant?

[@jasperedwards7029]

I like games I like AI I like simulation I like similar games You just earned a customer

[@4984christian]

Wow! Yes continue the videos! :D

[@GeneralDMadness]

Damn that's pretty cool

[@bedfastsans5212]

Im new sub and this Game IS something i wished for so long!! I cant wait to play It!🎉😍😍

[@failiuredoofus]

Idea: maybe something like a fungus that grows on animal corpses, or maybe also tree corpses(would require implementing tree corpses/dead wood), deriving nutritional value from the corpse in exchange for only being able to do that where the corpse it's specialized to feed off of is present. Or something like a parasitic plant that feeds off of a larger plant? I could imagine an organism that possesses multiple 'root' equivalent systems, so that it can do things like grow more rapidly/reproduce more when feeding off of another plant/dead wood, then it would either die out or root on its own. I'm also just thinking of this exact simulation, but is there any way for an animal with eyes to tell a corpse and a red plant apart from eachother? Or is it all the same 'move towards red' programming that can produce both types of end destination, regardless of what they have mouths for, once they develop eyes.

[@TheSapling]

Hey Graeme, thanks for writing down your ideas! Without making promises, your thinking of an organism that blurs the boundaries between plants and fungi is refreshing for me :). And yes, there is also a possible instinct 'if you see meat, go towards it', although I didn't see it during this run.

[@Moslain]

Thank you for making this game

[@felixcarbajosa6322]

The level of detail is Wow just wow

[@arzadu1138]

hoping and praying that the next release has a mac version so I can play this gorgeous game, but in the meantime keep up the fantastic work!

[@literallyagalaxy7789]

I'm really looking forward for the next episodes

[@Gob998]

i realy like this game its very good edit mom im famous

[@pillowwantan3226]

I'd be curious to see this game partner with the "Evolve" game (a spore spinoff, open source game project). You guys are going in the same direction, but evolve is starting out with cells, whilst you are working on larger life. Would be cool to see a collaboration

[@TheSapling]

When you say Evolve, do you mean Thrive? I can't find any Sporelike game named 'Evolve' :/

[@pillowwantan3226]

@@TheSapling shoot!!! Sorry, you're right, I'm thinking thrive!!! ☠️☠️☠️

[@Xdhorselover912]

i like that idea

[@Xdhorselover912]

thats me

[@Xdhorselover912]

i love it so much

[@dominikkorbely5809]

absolutely brilliant

[@IzUrBoiKK]

This can be a really good promotion type a thing for your program. Btw, love this thing bro...

[@waluigihentailover6926]

This has been in my “Watch Later” for a long while. I’ve been scrolling old channels to see what’s up, saw this, clicked on “Most Popular”, and I’m now here. 5:02 What a beautiful and calming voice. This was eleven months ago, when I’m done… I’ll check out your latest video! You’ve great work here! Speaking of, there’s no way you’ve not heard of Rain World, right?

[@waluigihentailover6926]

7:33 Golly….

[@TheSapling]

Definitely heard of it, but I haven't played it... I guess you recommend it, right?

[@waluigihentailover6926]

@@TheSapling Hell yeah!

[@Elmownz]

I love watching you play this game.

[@seb4sti4n666]

This game need random event to stimulate new evolution. Like we have on earth. Meteor or glacial era or volcano eruption

[@TheSapling]

Hey Sebastian, without making promises, fully agreed :)

[@EvoVerseBeyondtomorrow13]

That would be awesome

[@zxturbo]

Bro continue this series. I can't really buy games so you are my only way to see evolution happen out

[@KaroqiTimelapse]

Nice video

[@ackyducc5040]

I bought this game a few days ago, and haven't been able to put it down. It's insane how much fun I've had in it while doing absolutely nothing

[@Hastyviper457]

How much is it?

[@ackyducc5040]

@@Hastyviper457 I believe it's like $20 on steam. Definitely does have its issues, for example it runs pretty damn poorly, but again I had a blast with it

[@chanshengsupremacy8889]

I think it’s £10 (don’t know abt dollars)

[@Honkious5824]

THE RETURN OF THE KING!!!

[@nshorts7063]

I just love the sapling

[@SanMaster17]

Great video

[@Small_artistXx]

I love this so much😍

[@aliciadalbey1201]

This is amazing!

[@gerixxx1]

This is so awesome!!! Do you plan on making an update on graphics some time in the future? Like more detailed Plant and animal parts, maybe more realisitc textures etc?

[@gamesandspace]

It'll be interesting to see how land animals adapt to heat

[@amigoRBLX]

This game looks great, definitely going to give it a try.

[@Fallout3131]

This is awesome!!!

[@FrazleThaOne]

I have waited for a game like this!!

[@flechedesneiges5114]

I didn't know plants could evolve from algae in the game ! Quick, open the Sapling ! XD Awesome video as always, I would love to see this series go beyond the three episodes you're aiming for.

[@TheSapling]

It was added a few patches back ;). Not entirely happy with it, though (very different from how the transition likely went in real life).

[@flechedesneiges5114]

@@TheSapling To make it feels more like the real evolution you would need to add some kind of moss / grass thing... And I think it would be really hard to keep the feeling of the game. As much as I love realism and evolution, I think your work might be better this way.

[@siyahkopek9415]

This game is underated like there’s 2 videos like this one and I live it

[@ObviouslyASMR]

I'm gonna guess we have two things in common 1. Playing Spore growing up 2. Being Dutch

[@TheSapling]

Die twee in ieder geval ja, maar vast nog veel meer ;)

[@ObviouslyASMR]

@@TheSapling haha vast wel, maar gaaf project man

[@coryman125]

I'm a month late, but this is very cool! I'd love to see more of these :)

[@sauraplay2095]

Nice video!👍

[@islandmaster5064]

Love this game and am so happy I got it

[@ronbird121]

best news ever, the new "spore"

[@literallyagalaxy7789]

it would be cool if insects would be added. and maybe instead of individual insects maybe colonies or systems of instects could be simulated, so it's not that costly to simulate Also i would love to see more complex underwater vegetation

[@TheSapling]

Hey, thanks for your ideas! Any specific underwater vegetation you had in mind?

[@literallyagalaxy7789]

@@TheSapling Corals(I know they are technically animals tho) But when I think of the ocean one of the main things that come to mind is corals

[@TheSapling]

Haha maybe the game needs another 'sessile animal' editor (no promises ;) )

[@Leyva0scarVRL]

It would be cool if it could be done using the normal animal editor

[@gabethebom1923]

I wish i could play this game

[@gabethebom1923]

@Noodlekdoodle can’t I don’t have a good computer its super slow

[@gabethebom1923]

@Noodlekdoodle no i mean SLOW it takes me like 3 minutes just for google to stop loading

[@erikfinnegan]

Charming. I have not gotten convinced that this is even close to scientific (much to the contrast of what the title suggests), but it's still a charming pass time.

[@allergy5634]

Overwhelming majority of scientists would disagree with you

[@amargarrex5808]

remember the bug of temperature and plants

[@TheSapling]

Hey Amargarrex, there's a whole list of bugs that a file on my pc 'remembers' ;)

[@amargarrex5808]

@@TheSapling ok

[@soopywoopy]

this was awesome

[@voodoo_b1rd205]

I wanna see this continue!

[@qusterrblx7185]

This is amazing

[@galaxygaming99248]

Please make more episodes. They’re so interesting!

[@user-qw4se4dh6h]

I think the two most essential and urgent expansions for this great game are 1. mating, courtship, gene crossing > Integration of biological fitness into the game, sexual selection, mate attraction (antlers, plumage, songs, dances). 2. complete reconstruction of the plant world > Radial symmetry and randomly proliferating branches instead of "glued on body parts". > Clearly more diverse appearances (especially the distinction between ground plants and trees, but later possibly also fungi, ferns, grasses) > Possible approach: First add plant parts, which are whole agglomerations of branches and leaves (treetops), instead of individual leaves or fruits, also add radial symmetry. Later on, more, such as subdivision into trunk and crown in trees (perhaps automatically, like head, trunk and tail in the present animals) and, for example, that fruits grow randomly in predetermined areas instead of on individual stolons, and perhaps ade more size variation.

[@obiomajronyekwere4469]

This will be incredibly difficult due to the dependancies that climbing animals have on specific tree placements , worse case this would also increase cpu usage making the game run even worse than it already does, i do agree there should be an option for mating though i do think this game can function without gene crossing(it may cause so many unwanted bugs)definitly more diverse appearances could be done and i think he should heavily focus on making them more alien especially some that have the same effectiveness value like mouths that do the same job but look a tad different and are accessed in different tree sections i think that woudlwork amazing

[@user-qw4se4dh6h]

@@obiomajronyekwere4469 I prefer earth like creatures, like now, not too alien. Also, because we do not know any alien life, these bodyparts would be random.

[@obiomajronyekwere4469]

@@user-qw4se4dh6h maybe a middle ground would be past life like ancient earth animals instead like anomilicaris

[@TheSapling]

Hey O, thanks for your writing down your suggestions! Fully agreed that these would be cool and that it's kind of weird that the game has got all of these features but not mating ;). Without making promises, courtship display in particular is an idea I'm very excited about... although I haven't figured out how it should work ;)

[@obiomajronyekwere4469]

@@TheSapling these additions would be awesome!!! Tho the fps☠️☠️☠️

[@h1sworld891]

I love this

[@lumotroph]

Yay!! Keep going!

[@InvasionAnimation]

Amazing!!!

[@MrT_Rex]

Amazing

[@aidenb3069]

That's so cool

[@OddlingCore]

I would love to see fungi as a part of the simulation because we all know plants on earth wouldn’t have been able to survive on land!

[@TheSapling]

True! The problem for fungi I haven't been really able to solve is that they are mostly underground/invisible, and playtesting shows invisible mechanisms quickly get players confused and annoyed.

[@EvoVerseBeyondtomorrow13]

@@TheSaplingyou can use and X-ray or something

[@21_315]

So good

[@Rkyiel]

this is soooo cooool

[@XZaguer]

Will it be possible to create larger playable areas in the future?

[@TheRandomWolf]

I know you

[@TheSapling]

Theoretically yes, but right now it would play with 1FPS ;). If future optimizations allow it, I will definitely add larger map sizes, though

[@piglin469]

@@TheSapling hear me out OPTIMIZATION update just that.