Searching for Yokai in Real Rooms! The Charm of "Yūgen Kai-sha Warashi Estate," Where a Rookie Tokonoma Spirit Takes on "Comedy Horror Training" [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/949/G094914/20250928016/
Editorial Department: Saga-san | 2025/09/29 04:08 (UTC)
Selected for the Tokyo Game Show 2025 program “SELECTED INDIE 80,” one of the indie games showcased in the indie corner is “Yūgen Gōsha Warashi Fudousan.” Developed by indie studio Studio Hi, the game’s creator, Hajime Ishihara, revealed at the exhibition booth that it is scheduled for release on PC (Steam) by the end of December 2025.
A Rookie Yōkai Enters Training — “Yokai Hunt” Begins, Perfect for Live Streaming
The story’s protagonist is a rookie yōkai without a home. After arriving at Warashi Fudousan in search of a dwelling to possess, he’s told by the veteran yōkai owner, “Sōshiki BBA,” that he isn’t yet strong enough—and thus must undergo training.
The goal of the training is to expel illness spirits lurking in people’s homes. These yōkai disguise themselves as everyday objects—known as “monobake” (things that have become monsters) or low-level spirits—and hide among furniture and household items. Players must thoroughly explore rooms, identifying anything unnatural or something the resident “could never own.” This is where the protagonist’s yōkai powers are put to the test.
When suspicious items are found, players must take photos with a camera to expose and capture the true form of the yōkai. The entire training takes place in rooms set up as testing grounds within Warashi Fudousan.
Thumbnail image No.006 / Searching for yokai in real rooms! The charm of “Yūgen Gōsha Warashi Fudousan,” a rookie yōkai’s comedic horror training course [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.007 / Searching for yokai in real rooms! The charm of “Yūgen Gōsha Warashi Fudousan,” a rookie yōkai’s comedic horror training course [TGS2025]
As the player progresses, the protagonist realizes that one of the rooms is actually a place he once lived. This discovery marks a turning point in the story—leading deeper into his past and uncovering hidden mysteries surrounding Warashi Fudousan itself. The game’s unique twist—that yōkai known for bringing good fortune are tasked with expelling illness spirits—is another standout feature.
The game’s setting is a 3D-scan recreation of real apartments in Tokyo. The idea originated from the “Tokyo Unreal Estate” project—an initiative to scan actual homes and archive them for creative use. When Ishihara and his team participated as artists, they were given the challenge: “Let’s make a game using these 3D models.”
The scanned data sometimes includes imperfections like warped furniture or chipped surfaces—but instead of discarding these, the development team incorporated them into the story by framing the rooms as reconstructions based on the protagonist’s hazy memories. These subtle flaws become atmospheric elements that enrich the experience.
Exploring spaces rich with real-life details allows players to imagine residents’ personalities and lifestyles while hunting for yōkai—adding a unique detective-like appeal.
Although it may appear like a horror game at first glance, Ishihara confirms there are no jump scares or graphic content. Designed as a “comedy-horror,” the game balances unsettling atmosphere with humor—aiming to be enjoyable even for players who usually avoid horror titles.
The gameplay lasts about 1–2 hours, offering a cinematic experience akin to watching one movie. It features multiple endings, meaning different conclusions await depending on player choices.
Studio Hi is developing the game with the awareness that “live-streaming has become a norm.” They view games as a “stage,” and streamers as “actors”—aiming to create an experience where both broadcasters and viewers co-create a visual narrative together.
To encourage viewer interaction, the design intentionally includes “gaps” so that even if a streamer misses something, the audience can shout, “Wait—wasn’t that suspicious just now?” This thoughtful approach has been praised; in fact, popular streamer Pokkii once awarded it a prize.
Additionally, player comfort is prioritized with options such as disabling camera shake and motion blur, plus adjustable field-of-view settings to help prevent motion sickness. Difficulty varies widely by individual—some players may find it “too easy,” while others might call it “very difficult.”
This variation in perceived playability is another unique charm of the game. As an ongoing project still evolving during development, fans eagerly await how it will ultimately be completed.
Studio Hi, led by Yūsuke Goto, has previously created experimental and distinctive titles such as “P.I."—centered on live-streaming—and “Kind Station,” which received high praise on Steam. “Yūgen Gōsha Warashi Fudousan” continues this innovative spirit.
In closing, Ishihara said he’d be happy if players enjoyed the game during year-end and New Year holidays. Set in real apartments where a rookie yōkai’s training collides with his past, “Yūgen Gōsha Warashi Fudousan” is slated for release at the end of December 2025.