Pale Dots Unveiled as KOTAKE CREATE's Next Horror Adventure

Japanese indie developer KOTAKE CREATE has officially renamed their upcoming horror adventure game from STRANGE SHADOW to Pale Dots, revealing new details about this atmospheric thriller that challenges players to escape from a planet inhabited by colossal alien entities.

The game, which was showcased at Tokyo Game Dungeon 10 earlier this month, represents a significant evolution from the developer's previous work. KOTAKE CREATE gained recognition with their breakout hit "8番出口" (Exit 8), which proved so successful it received a theatrical film adaptation in 2025.

Giant Creatures and Desperate Survival

Pale Dots drops players into a nightmare scenario after their spacecraft crashes on an alien world. The core gameplay revolves around a terrifying cat-and-mouse dynamic where players must run, hide, and outwit massive creatures that dominate the landscape. The game's tagline captures the essence perfectly: "Find a way to escape from this planet and the giant creatures lurking around you."

The third-person perspective amplifies the sense of scale and vulnerability as players navigate this hostile environment. Beyond pure survival, the game incorporates puzzle-solving elements and stealth mechanics, creating a multifaceted experience that goes beyond simple chase sequences.

Originally targeting a 2025 release window, KOTAKE CREATE announced that Pale Dots has been delayed due to development circumstances. The studio is taking additional time to polish the experience, with the developer noting that early promotional materials from the STRANGE SHADOW phase have been removed from the Steam store page as they prepare updated content that better represents the current vision.

Inspirations and Atmosphere

The game draws inspiration from various horror subgenres, incorporating elements of Lovecraftian horror, psychological thriller, and post-apocalyptic science fiction. The combination creates an atmospheric experience that players have already begun comparing to titles in the 3D platformer and cinematic horror space.

Game Information

Pale Dots supports multiple languages including English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese with full audio and subtitles. The game requires a 64-bit processor and operating system, with a minimum of 8GB RAM and DirectX 11 support.

Players interested in following the game's development can add it to their Steam wishlist for release notifications.