Stroll through masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh and Monet, embarking on a journey to collect "memories."
Demo for Immersive Art ADV "Catharsis ~The Last Atelier~" Now Live
Confirmed for "Steam Next Fest"!
The demo for "Catharsis ~The Last Atelier~," an immersive art adventure game themed around traveling through the world of famous paintings, will be released on Steam starting October 15, 2026 (Thursday). The full game is scheduled for release within 2026 by Kodansha Game Creators' Lab.
This is a walking simulator. Players will journey through 10 worlds themed around masterpieces by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Klimt, and Monet. In these reimagined worlds of famous paintings, viewed through the creator's lens, you will collect the "memories" residing within them. In just the time it takes to watch a movie, you can enjoy a highly immersive art experience only possible in a game.
The demo includes two game scenes that were well-received at Tokyo Game Show, themed around Van Gogh's masterpieces "The Starry Night" and "Café Terrace at Night," as well as Millais' "Ophelia." The title is also scheduled to participate in the "Steam Next Fest," opening on October 20 (Beijing Time, Tuesday).
■ Experience two distinct levels in 30 minutes: a deep blue world sparkling with stars and a sorrowful, elegant emerald world
The demo includes two levels, themed around Van Gogh's "The Starry Night" and "Café Terrace at Night," as well as Millais' "Ophelia." Each level can be completed in about 15 minutes. However, there are no Game Overs or time limits during gameplay, allowing players to take their time and leisurely appreciate the beautiful and mysterious spaces.
In the levels themed around "The Starry Night" and "Café Terrace at Night," players will stroll through night-shrouded streets, piecing together fragments of a certain man's memories.
During the journey, two controllable companions, a wolf and an owl, will accompany the player.
In the level themed around Millais' "Ophelia," players will sail by boat into the depths of a forest. The scenery differs vastly between paintings, and the controls and puzzle designs change accordingly. This is one of the game's defining features.
Even within the same level, the overall colors and scenery may continuously change as your journey progresses.
Additionally, each level ends with a touching cutscene. We invite you to experience it yourself in the demo.
The demo is also scheduled to be featured in the "Steam Next Fest," which opens on October 20 (Tuesday). During the event, we invite you to try it out alongside other participating titles!
■ Introduction to "Catharsis ~The Last Atelier~"
[A Walking Simulator Through the World of Famous Paintings]
The player character has no name and knows nothing of the human world. The protagonist opens their eyes to endless whiteness. Guided by a mysterious voice, the protagonist steps into a series of paintings.
People's past years are sealed within paintings. Each time the protagonist passes through a painting and touches upon the lingering emotions and traces of life within, their understanding of the world and humanity deepens. What awaits you at the end of the journey? Confirm it with your own eyes.
[10 Worlds Based on Masterpieces by Renowned Artists such as Van Gogh, Klimt, and Monet]
A key feature of this title is that the perspective and controls change depending on the level (i.e., the painting). Some levels allow free exploration in 3D space, others unfold as side-scrolling stages, and some require players to explore by boat. The unique presentation and gameplay feel of each painting bring rich variety to the entire journey. [Traveling with a Wolf and an Owl]
Two companions always accompany the protagonist on their journey: a wolf, symbolizing instinct and wildness, and an owl, symbolizing wisdom and reason. The wolf can gallop freely, while the owl can soar through the skies. These two partners help players immerse themselves more freely and comfortably in the world of the paintings as they embark on their journey.
Left: Monet's "Woman with a Parasol" – Gallop with the wolf and feel the wind on your face
Right: The owl's abilities allow players to appreciate the world within the paintings from a more three-dimensional perspective
[An Immersive Art Experience You Can Enjoy Without Leaving Home]
Rather than "appreciating paintings from the outside," this title aims to provide the experience of "walking inside the paintings." This experience of entering famous artworks to feel their atmosphere and memories is distinctly different from viewing them in a museum—the distance between the player and the artwork is eliminated, allowing you to personally experience the world within each painting. Each level takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete, so even those with busy schedules can fully enjoy these beautiful worlds.
There are no Game Overs or time limits during gameplay. Taking your time to leisurely gaze at the world is also a way to enjoy the game.
[Story Overview]
Opening your eyes, you are greeted by an endless world of beauty.
You don't even know who you are; you simply begin your journey through a series of famous paintings, as if guided by some unseen force.
The hazy, twinkling lights of "Café Terrace at Night," the gentle, pleasant breeze of "Woman with a Parasol," and the breathtaking golden space of "The Kiss."
As you travel, your once-empty heart will gradually fill with colors, light, and beautiful memories.
After visiting all 10 worlds, what will you ultimately depict?
This is an immersive art adventure that questions where the soul belongs.
■ Demos for the latest 4 titles from Kodansha Game Lab will be released consecutively over 4 days!
From October 13 (Tuesday) to October 16 (Friday), demos for the latest 4 titles from Kodansha Game Lab will be released consecutively over 4 days. In addition to this title, we invite you to experience the other works as well.
October 13 (Tuesday)
BUZZ or DIE
Go viral and go free, lose and face execution! Death Row Reality Show × Death Game ADV "BUZZ or DIE"
October 14 (Wednesday)
To become true friends with you, uncover secrets, and exploit weaknesses.
Nostalgic Horror Adventure Game "1999TOKOYO Building"
October 15 (Thursday)
Stroll through masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh and Monet, embarking on a journey to collect "memories."
Immersive Art ADV "Catharsis ~The Last Atelier~"
Stay tuned for the title to be announced on October 16 (Friday).
■ Creator Profile
Mana
After moving overseas, increased free time led to self-study of Unreal Engine and game development. Won an award in "Unreal Quest 5," a game development contest hosted by Epic Games. Selected for Kodansha Game Creators' Lab in February 2024. This is their debut work.
■ Game Information
Title: Catharsis ~The Last Atelier~
Platform: Steam
Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese
Genre: Immersive Art Adventure Game
Release Date: Within 2026
Demo: Now Available
Number of Players: 1
Developer: Mana
Publisher: Kodansha Ltd.
Copyright: ©Mana/Kodansha
■ About Kodansha Creators' Lab
Kodansha Creators' Lab is a research and development department established in June 2021 by Kodansha Ltd.'s Fourth Business Division.
With the concept of "redefining editing," this department connects with creators of various types, continuously producing diverse content beyond just books and magazines. It consists of
・"Kodansha Game Lab," which supports independent game creators and plans new game development
・The "User-Generated Content Media Lab," which operates services such as the matching-type manga submission site DAYS NEO
・"Kodansha Film Lab," which supports independent film creators and develops new film projects
・The "Creator Support Lab," which broadly supports creator growth and advancement without limiting fields
・The "Content Design Lab," which proposes solutions using the power of content to address problems faced by companies and local governments
・The "IP Planning Lab," which creates new content with a producer's mindset
and other departments, helping creators realize their dreams while also leveraging the power of "editing" to solve various challenges for companies and local governments.