Dark Auction, which was present at the Tokyo Game Show 2025 and garnered a lot of attention from attendees, has good news for all fans of Japanese adventures by confirming its Western release. Thus, from Inazanagi Games and co-published by Good Smile Company, the game will arrive in Western territories on January 29, 2026. The news was revealed to give the game a spotlight at the Steam Next Fest, where it is expected to be widely followed by players. And best of all, a demo is now available.
About Dark Auction
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. 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.
