As Nippon Ichi Software (NIS) has been shifting its focus on developing more in-house titles, one new addition to its roster of original games was announced to be Village in the Shade, a farming simulator coming fall 2026. While the title was originally promoted as a lighthearted cozy game, creepy hints in trailers and an ominous 15+ rating suggest that the story might take a rather disturbing twist, much like the studio’s 2015 survival horror Yomawari: Night Alone.
To address some of the (quite understandable) concerns regarding Village in the Shade, the title’s official X account recently made a public announcement explaining that dogs and cats do not die in-game. While this may seem a bit unusual of an announcement to those who aren’t familiar with Nippon Ichi Software’s track record, longtime fans seem happy that the game won’t be forcing them to relive their past traumas. Specifically, those who have played the Yomawari series probably know what “incident” the X post is referencing.
Please note that the following paragraph contains spoilers for the opening section of Yomawari: Night Alone.
The very first scene of Yomawari: Night Alone introduces the protagonist and her dog Poro as they take an evening stroll along a rural road. As a part of the “tutorial” section of the game teaching you how to use the inventory, you’re prompted to pick up a small rock. Then, the game tells you to throw it. Poro chases the thrown rock, unaware of a speeding truck coming right at him. What follows is a rather gruesome and bloody scene.
While many are relieved that these kinds of horrific scenes (obviously) won’t be taking place in the “definitely-not-horror-cute-cozy-game” that Village in the Shade is presenting itself to be, some fans on X are jokingly warning not to get fooled by the wording of the announcement. Yeah, dogs and cats will definitely not die in-game, but what about other animals…or humans?
That being said, if you’re bad with scary stuff and don’t want to see anyone’s in-game death, Village in the Shade also offers a Peaceful Life Mode, letting you enjoy your life in the village without having to worry that anything sinister is happening when you’re not looking.
Village in the Shade is set to release in fall 2026 for PC (Steam), PS5 and Nintendo Switch systems. The PC version will support English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Traditional Chinese and Korean, while the console versions will support English, French and Spanish.
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