Tokyo, Japan - October 10th, 2025 - The upcoming mystery adventure ‘Dark Auction’ is officially coming to the West! Developed and published by Izanagi Games, Inc., and co-published by Good Smile Company, Inc., ‘Dark Auction’ is set to make its debut at Steam Next Fest. The official release of Dark Auction is set for January 29th, 2026.
A never before seen demo is currently available for players in anticipation of Steam Next Fest. This game has been developed by Rika Suzuki, known for her critically acclaimed work as the scenario writer of Another Code: Two Memories as well as Hotel Dusk: Room 215.
Steam Store Page Link:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2363180/Dark_Auction/
Experience the Beginning of a Deep Mystery in the Dark Auction Demo
Dark Auction is a full-fledged mystery adventure game with:
- Story and scenario by Rika Suzuki (Another Code, Hotel Dusk: Room 215)
- Character design by Kohske (GANGSTA.)
- Music by Yuko Komiyama (Monster Hunter series)
- Directed and Produced by Shinsuke Umeda (Death Come True, Worlds End Club)
The demo allows players to experience the prologue of the story. Explore a creepy old castle and uncover the secrets hidden within the auctioned items.
Additionally, the demo includes the game’s unique “Word Cloud System”, allowing players to combine keywords to solve mysteries—offering a true detective experience ahead of the full release.
Story
Noah sets out alone into a mysterious castle deep in the Black Forest in search of his father, who never returned after attending a secret auction. There, he witnesses a shocking scene and encounters something that…should not be of this world. Soon, Noah realizes he is trapped in the castle along with other participants. To uncover the truths hidden in the auction items, he must follow the rules and take part in this strange auction.
Game Mechanics
Exploration & Conversation
Freely explore 3D maps to find clues scattered throughout the castle. Interact with participants and discover different information depending on your dialogue choices.
Word Cloud
Organize collected items and keywords to approach the truth behind the story. These deductions play a key role in solving the auction’s mysteries.
Auction
To win auction items, you must offer a “memory.” Guide and refine the memories provided by your target as their supporter. If the memory is correct, the auction succeeds, revealing the true story behind the auctioned items.
Wishlist and download the demo here. Dark Auction will be available for purchase from January 29th, 2026.
Socials
X account: https://x.com/dark_auction
Izanagi Games EN Website: https://izanagigames.co.jp/en/about/
Izanagi Games Discord: https://discord.com/invite/brcRehBVTk
Good Smile Company EN Website: https://corporate.goodsmile.com/en/
Good Smile Company EN X account：https://x.com/goodsmile_en
Good Smile Company EN Discord：https://discord.gg/65qM5YZEUR
Game Overview
Title: Dark Auction
Genre: Mystery Adventure
Story & Scenario: Rika Suzuki
Character Design: Kohske
Music: Yuko Komiyama
Director / Producer: Shinsuke Umeda（IzanagiGames, Inc.）
Players: Single-player
Platforms: Nintendo Switch™, Steam®, PlayStation®5
Voice Language: Japanese
Subtitles: Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese
Developer / Publisher: Izanagi Games, Inc. / Good Smile Company, Inc
Release Date: January 29, 2026
Copyright: © IzanagiGames, Inc. / GOOD SMILE COMPANY
About Izanagi Games
Izanagi Games is a Tokyo-based studio dedicated to delivering high-quality, story-driven titles to global audiences. Known for its collaborations with top Japanese creators, the company focuses on producing immersive adventure and narrative games that blend striking visuals with compelling storytelling.
About Good Smile Company
Good Smile Company is a Tokyo-based entertainment studio known for creating high-quality figures and expanding into game and animation production. Building on its strong creative roots, the company now develops, publishes, and produces video games and interactive content in collaboration with leading Japanese studios and creators.
Media Contact
For questions or key review requests, please reach out to Anthony at anthony.thompson@activegamingmedia.com.