Cross-Media Mecha Shooter Series DARK MACHINE Opens Invites for Dec. 18 Playtest

TOKYO — Nov. 11, 2026 — DARK MACHINE THE GAME, a multiplayer mecha action shooter intertwined with the upcoming cross-media series DARK MACHINE: THE ANIMATION developed by DARK MACHINE PROJECT and LIONA Inc., calls for commanders for the upcoming beta playtest running Friday, December 18, 2026 until Friday, December 25, 2026.

In the playtest, join life-or-death battles in Terminal Siege mode, where two teams of up to 7 combatants seek to destroy their opponents’ base. Commandeer 27 distinct, powerful mechs, and compete over Anchor points to activate new respawn locations. Apply to join the playtest through DARK MACHINE’s Steam page, where selectants can receive special rewards for participating.

Earn Palma Energy during battle to morph mechs with the “Shift Up” mechanic, adapting to the current combat scenario. Dash into and out of sticky situations with agile small-sized Workers, and dominate the skies with medium-sized Ride Loaders. Transform into devastating Gigant Loaders at the right time to unload ground-shaking firepower against opposing Terminals. 

Customize small and medium machines with interchangeable parts to create the ideal loadout for each circumstance. Mix and match different weapon combinations, improve performance with various modules, and personalize each machine with different colors for added flair during every fight.

Destroy key structures to reroute enemy forces to choke points, turning the tide of every skirmish. Take care to avoid collateral damage and trapping teammates as structures collapse and reshape the battlefields.

“DARK MACHINE THE GAME and DARK MACHINE THE ANIMATION coexist as a cross-media experience”, says Goro Taniguchi, Director of DARK MACHINE PROJECT. “Both the game and the anime story intertwine with one another, and this upcoming playtest will be the first opportunity to go hands-on with the side of the story told through gameplay.”

DARK MACHINE THE GAME is set to release in 2027 on PC via Steam, with language support for Japanese and English (both interface and full audio). To learn more, visit the official website, join the Discord server, and follow the official social account on X/Twitter.

Assets

Streaming Trailer

Press Kit

About DARK MACHINE PROJECT

DARK MACHINE PROJECT is led by Goro Taniguchi (director - ONE PIECE FILM RED) and world-renowned mech illustrator Hidetaka Tenjin (mechanical artist - Gundam, Macross). The duo is ushering in a new wave of entertainment with their upcoming fusion of mech anime DARK MACHINE THE ANIMATION and video game crossover DARK MACHINE THE GAME.

Media Contacts

Eric Pattillo / Jared Lugo / Sarah Blackwell / Yifeng Mao

Stride PR for DARK MACHINE PROJECT

eric@stridepr.com / jared@stridepr.com / sarah@stridepr.com / yifeng@stridepr.com