Summary

  • Do Not Play is a new indie game described as part of the "psychological horror" genre
  • The game features horrifying audio and visuals with a "lost media" atmosphere
  • Developed by Japanese studios, it is set for release in 2026 and anticipated by many

Inscryption was one of 2021's best video games. It was nominated for two awards at that year's Game Awards and picked up numerous other awards and nominations, including Game of the Year at the Game Developers Conference. It was noted for subverting player expectations as the game regularly swapped genres, while FMV scenes added to the creepy story.

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Last year's Mouthwashing is perhaps the game that most closely resembles Inscryption's uneasy feeling, but a newly announced title, "Do Not Play", may be the perfect remedy for those seeking more FMV-style horror.

Do Not Play Announced As New "Psychological Horror" Indie Game

Do Not Play's trailer is best experienced, rather than described, so we've embedded it above, but it's full of horrifying audio, images, and voiceover, alongside some great 2000s-esque Windows XP visuals, fitting its "lost media" atmosphere.

The game is described on Steam as "a point-and-click horror adventure. Even if you reach the 'truth' that lies beyond playing, we take no responsibility for any phenomena that occur there. Please handle with extreme caution." It seems like it will take cues from Inscryption's genre-bending action, with the developers saying, "Various types of browser games have appeared, such as illustrations, photos, videos, pixel art, and websites."

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On YouTube, the genre is listed as "a game you must not play" and it says the game is controlled by "fingers"...

Interestingly, the YouTube video links to a Twitter account that has been suspended for violating the platform's rules. It's unclear whether this is a marketing tactic, but it seems to fit the theme of the game.

Do Not Play is being developed by Japanese studios Scrap and Fahrenheit 213, which was founded by Fate/Grand Order producer Yosuke Shiokawa. The game is scheduled for release at some point in 2026, and it's already near the top of my most anticipated list.

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Inscryption

Roguelike Deckbuilding Systems 9.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 86/100 Critics Rec: 97% Released October 19, 2021 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Daniel Mullins Games Publisher(s) Devolver Digital Engine Unity
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