A new title from Kodansha Game Creators' Lab (GCL): Wander through famous paintings and embark on a journey to collect "memories."
Kodansha Game Creators' Lab (GCL) has officially announced the Steam store page for its new title, "Catharsis ~The Last Atelier~" (Author: Mana).
This title is an "Immersive Art Adventure Game" themed around traveling through the worlds of famous paintings. Players will enter 10 different paintings to collect the "memories" residing within them. In a playtime roughly equivalent to watching a movie, players can experience a highly immersive artistic journey that only games can provide.
This title is scheduled for release within 2026. Please add the game to your Steam wishlist and stay tuned for further updates.
■ A walking simulator set in the world of famous paintings
Players control a nameless entity who knows nothing about humans. The protagonist awakens in a pure white world and, guided by a mysterious voice, enters various paintings.
Paintings preserve the moments when people once lived. As the protagonist wanders through each painting, touching the emotions and traces of life left behind, they gradually come to understand this world and the existence known as "humans." What awaits the protagonist at the end of their journey? You must witness it for yourself.
■ 10 Worlds Inspired by Famous Paintings by Van Gogh, Klimt, Monet, and Others
Some levels allow free movement in 3D space, others progress in a side-scrolling format, and some require traveling by boat. The different presentation styles and gameplay experiences offered by each painting bring rich variety to this journey.
■ The Wolf and Owl Accompanying You on Your Journey
Two companions will accompany the protagonist on their journey. The wolf, symbolizing instinct and wildness, and the owl, symbolizing wisdom and reason. The wolf can dash quickly, while the owl can soar through the skies. These two partners will help players immerse themselves more freely and comfortably in the world of paintings, enjoying the journey.
■ An Immersive Art Journey Experienceable from Home
Rather than appreciating paintings from the outside, this game aims to provide an experience of truly "stepping into the painting." Players can enter the worlds of famous artworks, sensing their atmosphere and memories—engaging with the art from a perspective entirely different from viewing it in a museum. Each level takes approximately 10–20 minutes to complete, allowing players to easily immerse themselves in these beautiful worlds even with limited time.
■ Story Summary
Upon opening your eyes, you are greeted by an endless aesthetic world.
Unable to even recall who you are, you are guided by an intangible force, stepping into one famous painting after another.
The faintly glowing lights in "Café Terrace at Night," the gentle breeze brushing against your face in "Woman with a Parasol," and the breathtaking golden space in "The Kiss"—
During your journey, your initially empty "vessel" will gradually be filled with colors, light, and beautiful memories.
After visiting all 10 worlds, what will you ultimately paint with your own hands?
This is an immersive art adventure that questions where the soul resides.
■ Creator Profile
Mana
After moving abroad and gaining more free time, they began self-teaching Unreal Engine and started game development. Their work won an award in "Unreal Quest 5," a game development contest hosted by Epic Games. In February 2024, they were selected for Kodansha's Game Creators' Lab (GCL), and this title will mark their official debut.
■ Product Information
Title: Catharsis ~The Last Atelier~
Platform: Steam
Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese
Genre: Immersive Art Adventure Game
Release Date: Within 2026
Price: TBD
Number of Players: 1
Developer: Mana
Publisher: Kodansha Ltd.
Copyright: ©︎Mana/Kodansha
■ About Kodansha Game Creators' Lab (GCL)
Kodansha Game Creators' Lab (GCL) is a development department established in June 2021 by Kodansha Ltd.'s Fourth Business Division. With the philosophy of "redefining editing," the department builds broad connections with creators across various fields, continuously releasing diverse content works to society beyond the formats of books and magazines.
Includes:
・"Kodansha Game Lab" planning support for indie game creators and new title development
・"UGC Media Lab" operating services such as the matching-type manga submission platform DAYS NEO
・"Kodansha Film & TV Lab" supporting independent video creators and advancing new video projects
・"Creator Growth Acceleration Lab" supporting creators across all fields
・"Content Design Lab" proposing content-based creative solutions for corporate and local government challenges
・"IP Production Lab" incubating new content IPs through a producer system
Through these diverse business segments, we not only help creators realize their dreams but also provide solutions to challenges faced by companies and local governments through the power of "editing."