Sankei Digital Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Sozo Otsuka) announces, through its game label “HYPER REAL,” its latest publishing title “NAME OF THE WILL: Collective Aftereffects.” This horror mystery, set in a cult community that promises salvation from trauma but hides a lurking terror, is scheduled for release in spring 2027.
■ Welcome to “Hope,” Neighbor 3279—Survive Seven Days with a Smile
“NAME OF THE WILL: Collective Aftereffects” is a fully hand-drawn adventure game inspired by the Buddhist concept of “collective karma (gungō).” The game attracted much attention, having won the “WINGS Award” at the international festival A MAZE.2026 in Germany and also receiving 3rd place at the “NEOWIZ Indie Quest” contest hosted by a Korean game company. The abstract, reimagined Hong Kong soundscape by renowned composer hirsk (Golden Melody Awards Best Instrumental Album Producer) is also a highlight. Through its morally complex story, the game seeks to question the very nature of free will.
The setting is “Hope,” a 34-floor complex where traumatized people go to escape pain and find enlightenment. Players spend seven days as a new resident, “Neighbor 3279.” The friendly “neighbors,” always seen wearing smiling masks, watch out to make sure you walk the right path. By following the strict rules of Hope, fulfilling your roles for harmony, and obeying the words of the “Father,” you too can quickly fit in. Actions outside expectations or disharmony will change your evaluation and alter your progress and ending, so every word and deed must be chosen carefully.
■ Past Traumas Invading the Present
By day, explore Hope’s facilities, converse with neighbors, attend lessons, and learn the values needed to welcome true hope. Each day, voting selects a “Glorious One,” who then is “rewarded” through re-education with pain. At night, while avoiding the roaming “Father,” you infiltrate off-limits areas to uncover the facility’s dark origins.
Reality and hallucinations intermingle as Neighbor 3279’s past trauma seeps into the present. Switch between two mental states to search your room, find clues, and join forces with skeptical neighbors. By piecing together items, fragments of memory, and diary entries, you will gradually unravel the mysteries surrounding the protagonist.
■ New Playable Demo Announced at gamescom 2026
Additionally, a new playable demo will be exhibited at the HYPER REAL booth inside the Indie Arena Booth at “gamescom 2026,” the world’s largest game event held in Germany from August 26, 2026. Another unannounced title will also be available for play at the event, and we look forward to welcoming many attendees.
■ A Message to Horror Fans Worldwide
Mandy Wong, co-founder and creative director of Zeitgeist Studio, the game’s developer, said, “The fear depicted in this work does not come from sudden scares or monsters. Rather, it is born from the pressure to conform, even as every part of yourself wants to resist. What started as a passion project has become something much bigger with the support of HYPER REAL.” Looking ahead to gamescom 2026, she added, “We are excited to bring this game to horror fans all over the world.”
【Product Information】
Title: “NAME OF THE WILL: Collective Aftereffects”
Developer: Zeitgeist Studio
Publisher: HYPER REAL
Release: Scheduled for Spring 2027
Platform: PC (Steam)
Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, Russian, Ukrainian, Latin American Spanish
*HYPER REAL is working to further improve translation quality for both the currently released demo and the full product.
Store page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2079920/NAME_OF_THE_WILL/
【About Zeitgeist Studio】
Zeitgeist Studio is a female-led indie game studio established in the USA by a married couple originally from Hong Kong. Drawing from experiences across multiple disciplines and an experimental spirit, they develop dark, creative games that tackle themes of mental health, empathy, and emotionally stirring narratives. “NAME OF THE WILL: Collective Aftereffects” marks the studio’s debut title.
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/NAMEOFTHEWILL
【About HYPER REAL】
From Japan to the world—a cross-cultural game label that goes beyond “play.” HYPER REAL reinterprets video games as an art/cultural medium like music and film, aiming to expand games beyond reality (“HYPER REAL”) and bring such experiences from Japan to the world.
Centered on Japan and Asia, we support creators who pursue unique and innovative visual and storytelling expressions that defy convention, helping unleash their creativity worldwide.
Official website: https://hyperreal.jp
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HYPERREAL_jp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyperreal.jp/