Playing "Zakohanahiru" while being teased by a girl, demo released. Participating in "Steam Next Fest" and "OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025"
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/946/G094662/20251003044/
Editorial Department: Akasaka | 2025/10/03 10:14 (UTC)
Phoenixx today (October 3, 2025) released the demo version of its PC game [Zako no Ahiru] on Steam.
This game is a high-difficulty 2D platformer where players guide a duck to the mountain summit. Throughout gameplay, the player is provoked by a girl named “Sukune Mary.”
The demo includes a tutorial lasting approximately 5 minutes. Additionally, the special demo distributed during the online event “Steam Next Fest” (running from October 14 to 21) tasks players with clearing Stage 1 within 20 minutes.
In addition, information about Phoenixx’s participation in the “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025”, taking place October 4–5 in Osaka, and a prize giveaway campaign hosted on Phoenixx’s official X (external link: https://x.com/Phoenixx_Inc) has been announced.
For more details, please check the press release below.
“Zako no Ahiru” appears at “Steam Next Fest”!
Demo version now available on Steam from today!
Participating in “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025”!
Phoenixx Inc. (Toshima, Tokyo; President & CEO: Kazunori Sakamoto) announces its participation in “Steam Next Fest,” an event hosted on the PC platform Steam from October 14 (Tuesday) to October 21 (Tuesday), 2025, featuring its 2D platform action game Zako no Ahiru.
Ahead of this, we are releasing a demo version today exclusively on Steam that allows players to experience the tutorial portion.
We also announce our participation in “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025,” an event taking place in Osaka from October 4 (Saturday) to October 5 (Sunday).
“Zako no Ahiru” joins “Steam Next Fest”!
Zako no Ahiru will participate in the Steam event “Steam Next Fest,” running from October 14 (Tuesday) to October 21 (Tuesday) on the PC platform Steam.
During this event, we will release a special demo where players must clear Stage 1 within a 20-minute time limit. Experience firsthand the thrilling mountain-climbing action filled with provocation and tension.
If you’re intrigued, please consider adding the game to your wishlist!
▼Steam Page
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2879980/ZAKO_NO_AHIRU/
Demo Released Today! Exclusive Preview Ahead of “Steam Next Fest”
Ahead of the official participation in “Steam Next Fest,” we are releasing a demo version on Steam today, allowing players to experience the tutorial portion of Zako no Ahiru.
This demo features approximately 5 minutes of tutorial gameplay. Take this chance to get your first taste of the world of Zako no Ahiru.
Special Giveaway Campaign for “Steam Next Fest” Participation!
To celebrate our participation in “Steam Next Fest,” we are running a prize giveaway campaign offering Steam gift codes!
(1) Follow & Retweet Campaign
Win 10 lucky participants will receive a 500 JPY Steam gift code.
● Event Period: October 3 (Friday), 2025 – October 21 (Tuesday), 23:59 (Japan Time)
● Prize (via lottery):
10 winners × 500 JPY worth of Steam gift codes
● Entry Requirements:
- Follow Phoenixx’s official X (@Phoenixx_Inc)
- Retweet the campaign post
(2) Wishlist Registration Campaign
One lucky winner will receive a 5,000 JPY worth of Steam gift code.
● Event Period: October 14 (Tuesday), 2025 – October 21 (Tuesday), 23:59 (Japan Time)
● Prize (via lottery):
1 winner × 5,000 JPY worth of Steam gift codes
● Entry Requirements:
- Follow Phoenixx’s official X (@Phoenixx_Inc)
- Post a screenshot showing your addition of the game to your wishlist with the hashtag #ざこのあひる
- (Optional) Submit an additional screenshot of completing the special demo within 5 minutes—this increases your chances of winning
[Important Notes]
- Winners will be selected through strict lottery procedures.
- If you were already following Phoenixx’s X account before the campaign began, there is no need to follow again.
- We will send a direct message (DM) to winners via their X accounts for notification. If your DM settings prevent receiving messages from us, your win will be invalidated.
- We cannot respond to inquiries regarding lottery results or prizes.
Participating in “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025”!
We are participating in the game event “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025,” taking place from October 4 (Saturday) to October 5 (Sunday) at Umeda, Osaka. At our booth, you can experience Zako no Ahiru’s high-difficulty mountain-climbing action firsthand. We welcome all visitors to stop by and try it out!
<Details of “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025” Participation>
Event Dates: October 4 (Saturday) – October 5 (Sunday), 2025
Venue: Congress Square Grand Green Osaka
Event Website: https://funky802.com/osaka-indiegames-summit/
<About “Zako no Ahiru (ZAKO NO AHIRU)">
Zako no Ahiru is an ultra-high-difficulty 2D platformer game themed around pushing beyond limits.
One day, a girl named Sukune Mary, who lives next door, visits the player’s home. She hands over a popular, extremely challenging game—Zako no Ahiru.
As she watches you play, she delivers relentless and sharp remarks.
However, the true goal of this game is not to endure her taunts—but to guide the duck all the way up the mountain peak.
With simple yet mercilessly difficult gameplay and Mary’s provocative words that shake your nerves, a completely new gaming experience has been born—one where challenge and provocation collide.
Image Gallery No.002 thumbnail / Play “Zako no Ahiru” while being provoked by a girl, demo released. Participating in “Steam Next Fest” and “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025” Image Gallery No.003 thumbnail / Play “Zako no Ahiru” while being provoked by a girl, demo released. Participating in “Steam Next Fest” and “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025”
● Simple Controls, Tough Mountain Climbing Experience!
The duck’s controls are simple: just rotate and jump.
However, every jump consumes water—once empty, you must restart from the beginning!
Additionally, by mastering up to 5 consecutive jumps, bold shortcuts become possible.
Your skill level determines how many unique strategies you can discover.
Image Gallery No.004 thumbnail / Play “Zako no Ahiru” while being provoked by a girl, demo released. Participating in “Steam Next Fest” and “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025” Image Gallery No.005 thumbnail / Play “Zako no Ahiru” while being provoked by a girl, demo released. Participating in “Steam Next Fest” and “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025”
● Over 800 Lines of Dialogue Enrich the Gameplay
During your challenges, the girl beside you delivers over 800 unique lines, tailored to each situation.
From harsh critiques on your skills to random small talk or unpredictable encouragement—she’s constantly energetic and expressive.
Furthermore, all dialogue is fully voiced. Even if you’re focused on gameplay, you won’t miss a single word of her relentless provocation.
● Multiple Endings That Make You Want to Try Again
The game features seven different endings in total.
Each time you complete the game, a dream-like scenario unfolds—each one unique and imaginative.
You can choose your preferred ending order based on personal preference.
Because every ending is “dream-based,” players enjoy bold and diverse storylines that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / Play “Zako no Ahiru” while being provoked by a girl, demo released. Participating in “Steam Next Fest” and “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025” Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / Play “Zako no Ahiru” while being provoked by a girl, demo released. Participating in “Steam Next Fest” and “OSAKA INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2025”
[Product Overview]
Title: Zako no Ahiru
Developer: FU Fighters
Genre: 2D Platform Action
Number of Players: 1
Supported Platforms: PC (Steam)
Release Date: Scheduled for 2025
Price (tax included): To be determined
Languages Supported: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
Copyright: © FU Fighters
Published by Phoenixx Inc.