What VTubers Developed Is an Asymmetric Multiplayer Horror Game Where You Hide from a Demon in an Abandoned School. Impressions of "Kakure Oni" [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/949/G094947/20250929031/
Writer: Sen'ichi Yagimoto | 2025/09/29 07:04 (UTC)
The atmosphere at the Izanami Game Lab booth during Tokyo Game Show 2025 Thumbnail image for Gallery No.002 / VTuber-developed asymmetric horror game “Kakureoni” – impressions from TGS2025
The asymmetric horror game “Kakureoni,” developed by VTubers, was on display at Tokyo Game Show 2025. In this game, players split into two teams—ghost and children—for a three-minute chase-and-hide session. Voice chat is implemented within the game as a “walkie-talkie” feature, giving an advantage or disadvantage depending on how well the children coordinate.
Kakureoni is currently available only for PC and is listed as “Coming Soon” on Steam. The game supports up to five players: one player takes on the role of the ghost while the other four play as children who have been abducted—referred to as the “hiding side.” The goal of the ghost is to catch all the children, while the children must survive and escape.
Thumbnail image for Gallery No.001 / VTuber-developed asymmetric horror game “Kakureoni” – impressions from TGS2025 Thumbnail image for Gallery No.003 / VTuber-developed asymmetric horror game “Kakureoni” – impressions from TGS2025
The setting is a dark, abandoned school at night. Simply moving through pitch-black hallways and classrooms induces anxiety. Walking alone through an empty building—whether to retrieve lost items or just for fun—is something most people have experienced at least once in their lives. This game taps into that primal sense of fear. And with the ghost actively searching for you, it’s even more thrilling.
Even if no ghost is nearby, players shouldn’t let their guard down. The abandoned school also features wandering NPC ghosts. Getting spotted by one causes stamina to decrease. Moreover, the ghosts are only visible during “spirit vision,” which requires spiritual energy. Once that runs out, you can’t use spirit vision until it recovers—making them difficult to detect. It’s easy to think you’re safe, only to be discovered by a ghost without realizing it—an experience that keeps players constantly alert.
Thumbnail image for Gallery No.005 / VTuber-developed asymmetric horror game “Kakureoni” – impressions from TGS2025 Thumbnail image for Gallery No.006 / VTuber-developed asymmetric horror game “Kakureoni” – impressions from TGS2025
The hiding side can communicate via a walkie-talkie system using voice chat, allowing players to talk with each other just like real walkie-talkies. Asymmetric multiplayer combined with voice chat is notoriously tricky to handle—external tools for voice communication have often sparked controversy. However, in this game, the walkie-talkie is an in-game feature. While it enables team coordination, there’s a risk: voices can be overheard by the ghost or ghosts, making reckless use dangerous.
Even after being caught, players can still use the walkie-talkie to relay information about the ghost’s whereabouts—adding an interesting twist. It’s essentially a legal form of “ghosting,” ensuring that even captured players stay engaged and aren’t left idle.
The hiding side can also boost their abilities by purchasing snacks called “dakashi” in advance. With just 100 yen, they can buy treats like kinako mochi, cotton candy, and kokumintō from the school’s convenience store-like shop. Eating these items within the abandoned building restores spiritual energy or stamina—and some even grant temporary invulnerability to ghost detection.
Thumbnail image for Gallery No.007 / VTuber-developed asymmetric horror game “Kakureoni” – impressions from TGS2025 Thumbnail image for Gallery No.008 / VTuber-developed asymmetric horror game “Kakureoni” – impressions from TGS2025
The promotional strategy for Kakureoni is unique. The developers formed a VTuber unit called “Pikuseredo!” (see their official YouTube playlist) to share behind-the-scenes insights—such as genre decisions and character design. While it’s becoming more common for VTubers to serve as promotional mascots, having the actual developers present their own creation is a rare approach.
At the TGS 2025 booth, visitors could also play Kakureoni with members of Pikuseredo! This dual role—as both creators and promoters—makes this initiative especially distinctive.
With its clear theme of fear in an abandoned school, a three-minute time limit per round, and unique handling of voice chat, Kakureoni offers plenty of intriguing gameplay elements. If you’re interested, add it to your Steam wishlist and keep track of future updates.