Kodansha Game Lab Unveils Four New Spring 2026 Games at INDIE Live Expo 2025

Kodansha Game Lab Unveils Four New Titles at Indie Live Expo 2025, Including Unique Sushi Racing game

Tokyo, Japan – November 29, 2025 – Kodansha Game Lab made a significant splash at Asia’s largest autonomous game details program, INDIE Live Expo 2025, showcasing four upcoming titles: “Wabisabi SushiDerby,” “1999TOKOYO Building,” “Children’s Garden,” and “4DEAD.” Steam store pages for all four games are slated for release concurrently.

The lineup demonstrates Kodansha Game Lab’s commitment to diverse and innovative gaming experiences. Among the most eye-catching is “Wabisabi SushiDerby,” a unique blend of sushi creation, development, and racing. Players will embark on a journey to become top-tier sushi chefs, carefully selecting ingredients, training their creations, and competing for prizes to enhance their sushi-making speed.

But the competition isn’t just about crafting the perfect roll. “Wabisabi SushiDerby” features a thrilling sushi racing element where players must strategically “fuel” their sushi to dodge hungry customers’ chopsticks – a single bite means elimination.

The other showcased titles – “1999TOKOYO Building,” “Children’s Garden,” and “4DEAD” – promise equally compelling gameplay experiences, though details remain limited at this time.

The simultaneous release of Steam store pages will allow gamers to wishlist and follow the development of these exciting new titles.Kodansha Game Lab’s presence at INDIE Live Expo 2025 signals a strong push into the independent gaming scene and a dedication to delivering fresh and engaging content to players.

How does Kodansha Game Lab’s strategy of leveraging existing IP differentiate them from other indie game publishers?

A Deep Dive into Kodansha’s Spring 2026 Game lineup

Kodansha Game Lab made a significant splash at INDIE Live Expo 2025, revealing four exciting new titles slated for release in Spring 2026.The showcase highlighted the publisher’s commitment to diverse gaming experiences, ranging from narrative-driven adventures to strategic RPGs.This article breaks down each announced game, offering details on gameplay, expected platforms, and what makes them stand out in the increasingly competitive indie game landscape. We’ll cover everything from Project Chimera to Celestial bloom, providing a extensive overview for gaming enthusiasts.

Game Spotlights: Spring 2026 Releases

1. Project Chimera: A Cyberpunk detective RPG

Project Chimera is a cyberpunk RPG focusing on detective work and moral ambiguity. Players assume the role of Kai, a private investigator in Neo-Kyoto, tasked with solving complex cases involving corporate espionage, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality.

* Genre: Cyberpunk RPG, Detective, Narrative Adventure

* Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, xbox Series X/S

* Key Features:

* Branching narrative with multiple endings based on player choices.

* Deep examination mechanics, including evidence gathering and interrogation.

* Cybernetic augmentation system allowing for character customization.

* Visually stunning Neo-Kyoto habitat inspired by classic cyberpunk aesthetics.

* Target Audience: Fans of Disco Elysium, Blade Runner, and immersive RPGs.

* Development Status: Currently in Alpha, with a planned Beta release in late 2025.

2. Celestial Bloom: A Relaxing Farming Simulator with a Magical Twist

Celestial Bloom offers a unique take on the farming simulator genre, blending peaceful gameplay with elements of fantasy and magic. Players inherit a dilapidated farm on a floating island and must restore it to its former glory, cultivating magical plants and befriending whimsical creatures.

* Genre: Farming Simulator, Life Simulation, Fantasy

* Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam)

* Key Features:

* Cultivate a variety of magical plants with unique properties.

* befriend and care for adorable, fantastical creatures.

* Explore a vibrant and enchanting floating island world.

* Customize yoru farm and home with a wide range of decorations.

* Target audience: Players who enjoy Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and relaxing simulation games.

* Development Status: In early access, with regular updates planned based on community feedback.

3. Echoes of the Void: A Tactical turn-Based strategy Game

Echoes of the Void is a challenging tactical RPG set in a desolate sci-fi universe. Players command a squad of specialized soldiers, battling against alien forces in a desperate attempt to reclaim lost colonies. strategic positioning, resource management, and unit customization are crucial for survival.

* Genre: Tactical RPG, Turn-Based Strategy, Sci-Fi

* Platforms: PC (Steam, GOG), Mobile (iOS, Android)

* Key Features:

* Deep tactical combat system with a focus on positioning and cover.

* Extensive unit customization options, allowing players to tailor their squad to their playstyle.

* compelling sci-fi narrative exploring themes of survival and sacrifice.

* Procedurally generated maps for increased replayability.

* Target Audience: fans of XCOM, Divinity: Original sin 2, and challenging strategy games.

* Development Status: Currently in pre-production, with concept art and gameplay demos showcased at INDIE Live Expo.

4. Paper Kingdom: A Hand-drawn Puzzle Adventure

Paper Kingdom is a charming puzzle adventure game with a distinctive hand-drawn art style. Players navigate a whimsical world crafted entirely from paper, solving intricate puzzles and uncovering a heartwarming story about friendship and creativity.

* Genre: Puzzle Adventure, Indie Game, Story-Rich

* Platforms: PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch

* Key features:

* Unique hand-drawn art style that brings the paper world to life.

* Challenging and rewarding puzzles that require creative thinking.

* Emotional and engaging story about the power of imagination.

* Relaxing and atmospheric soundtrack.

* Target Audience: Players who enjoy Gorogoa, Monument Valley, and visually stunning puzzle games.

* Development Status: Nearing completion, with a release date confirmed for Spring 2026.

Kodansha Game Lab’s Strategy: Focusing on Indie Development

Kodansha’s investment in indie game development signals a broader trend within the industry. Major publishers are increasingly recognizing the value of supporting smaller, innovative studios. This approach allows them to diversify their portfolios, tap into new audiences, and foster creativity. Kodansha Game Lab specifically focuses on titles that align with their existing intellectual property (IP) and storytelling expertise, leveraging their strengths in manga and light novels. This synergy between different media formats is a key differentiator for the publisher.

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