{"id":68286,"date":"2026-06-16T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/?p=68286"},"modified":"2026-06-16T17:41:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T08:41:14","slug":"nippon-ichi-softwares-new-rural-life-sim-village-in-the-shade-will-focus-on-creating-unease-instead-of-classic-horror-tropes-but-cozy-gamers-wont-be-left-out-eithe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/interviews\/nippon-ichi-softwares-new-rural-life-sim-village-in-the-shade-will-focus-on-creating-unease-instead-of-classic-horror-tropes-but-cozy-gamers-wont-be-left-out-eithe\/","title":{"rendered":"Nippon Ichi Software\u2019s new rural life sim Village in the Shade will focus on \u201ccreating unease\u201d instead of classic horror tropes, but cozy gamers won\u2019t be left out either, devs say"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Japanese release of Nippon Ichi Software (NIS)\u2019s new farming simulator<strong> Village in the Shade<\/strong> is scheduled to release on July 30, with a global release planned for Fall 2026. While the title was originally\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/news\/yomawari-fans-shouldnt-expect-horror-elements-from-nippon-ichi-softwares-new-game-devs-say-but-creepy-hints-in-the-promotional-material-suggest-otherwise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">promoted as a lighthearted cozy game<\/a>, it\u2019s actually being worked on by none other than the staff behind the studio\u2019s flagship horror series Yomawari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Set in the remote village of Kagatsu, the game lets you lead a peaceful rural life growing vegetables in your garden, caring for livestock, hunting and fishing, and socializing with locals. However, there are certain rules you must follow, and certain traditions to abide by \u2013 one such example being that going out at night is absolutely forbidden. Considering all the creepy trailers and the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/news\/nippon-ichi-softwares-new-supposedly-cozy-and-relaxing-farming-sim-celebrates-15-age-rating-with-blood-splattered-promo-image-to-the-delight-of\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ominous 15+ rating<\/a>, one can conclude that the game shares a lot of its DNA with the Yomawari series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"867\" height=\"487\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 867px) 100vw, 867px\" src=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860001.jpg\" alt=\"Village in the Shade gameplay\" class=\"wp-image-68293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860001.jpg 867w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860001-380x213.jpg 380w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860001-768x431.jpg 768w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the game\u2019s release just around the corner, AUTOMATON got the opportunity to chat with game designer Yu Mizokami and development manager Mio Katsumata, who told us more about the unique concept of Village in the Shade, its balance between \u201cfarming\u201d and \u201chorror,\u201d and what they actually meant with the infamous <a href=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/news\/nippon-ichi-software-announces-no-dogs-or-cats-will-die-in-its-totally-cute-and-not-at-all-sinister-new-farming-simulator-despite-yomawari-comparisons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cno dogs or cats die\u201d<\/a> post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"865\" height=\"651\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 865px) 100vw, 865px\" src=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860002.jpg\" alt=\"Mio Katsumata, Yu Mizokami.\" class=\"wp-image-68294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860002.jpg 865w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860002-380x286.jpg 380w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860002-768x578.jpg 768w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Mio Katsumata, Yu Mizokami.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u2013 Village in the Shade is a life simulator, but at the same time, it\u2019s been drawing a lot of attention for its creepy elements. What role do the horror aspects play within the game?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mio Katsumata (hereafter Katsumata):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In terms of playtime, about 80% of the game is a farming simulator. The \u201chorror\u201d genre tends to emphasize fear factor, but what we actually focused on was the \u201cuncanniness\u201d of the Kagatsu Village and the story revolving it. I think a key part of the game is the sense of unease you get after overhearing the villagers\u2019 conversations as you pass by \u2013 the kind that makes you think, \u201cWhat did that even mean?,\u201d or \u201cWas I supposed to hear that?\u201d &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yu Mizokami (hereafter Mizokami):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even within the broad \u201chorror\u201d umbrella, there are all kinds of different works. Our game offers a slightly different kind of scary, compared to, for example, the types of horror which feature jump scares or blood gushing all over. Instead, it focuses on the fear of humans, and the fear of secrets, so I hope you will look forward to those aspects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"610\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" src=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860003.jpg\" alt=\"Village in the Shade gameplay.\" class=\"wp-image-68296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860003.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860003-380x215.jpg 380w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860003-768x434.jpg 768w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u2013 The parts where you explore the village at midnight shares some similarities with the Yomawari series. Compared to your previous horror titles, how is the \u201cnight\u201d in Village in the Shade different?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Katsumata:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The late-night exploration sections feel quite similar to Yomawari, in a sense, and we created them in a way that fans of the series will find familiar. However, one significant difference is that each night, different spirits appear in the village. So, even if it\u2019s the same map, completely different spirits will appear depending on the day. That\u2019s a feature unique to Village in the Shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mizokami:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We were really conscious of creating a sense of contrast throughout the game. The game consists of farming simulation segments and Yomawari-like exploration segments. So, while the player is enjoying the cozy slow-life in the village, events that remind them that \u201cthis is not just a farming simulator, this is Village in the Shade\u201d will be popping up unexpectedly every now and then. I believe what makes this game unique is that we managed to strike a great balance between \u201ctension and relief,\u201d where a tense atmosphere catches you off your guard just when you\u2019ve started relaxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"867\" height=\"488\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 867px) 100vw, 867px\" src=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860004.jpg\" alt=\"Village in the Shade gameplay.\" class=\"wp-image-68299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860004.jpg 867w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860004-380x214.jpg 380w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860004-768x432.jpg 768w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u2013 Village in The Shade also offers a Peaceful Life Mode where \u201cscary stuff doesn\u2019t happen.\u201d Were you anticipating that there would be players who would prefer to play this mode without engaging with the horror elements?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Katsumata:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s right, the Peaceful Life Mode lets you enjoy the farming simulation segments to your heart\u2019s content, at your own pace. So, this mode is definitely a great option for players who just want to \u201cget immersed in the farming,\u201d or \u201cspend time crafting detailed layouts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mizokami:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even just the farming simulation bits of Village in The Shade offer a gameplay volume comparable to other titles in the genre. So, even if you play just the Peaceful Life Mode, I think you\u2019ll be able to get at least 100 hours of gameplay from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"862\" height=\"485\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px\" src=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860005.jpg\" alt=\"Village in the Shade gameplay.\" class=\"wp-image-68300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860005.jpg 862w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860005-380x214.jpg 380w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860005-768x432.jpg 768w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u2013 By the way, a few days ago you posted on your official X account that \u201cno dogs and cats will die in-game,\u201d and the post received a huge response from fans. What was your intention behind posting it in the first place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mizokami:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I wondered, \u201cMaybe they\u2019ll be happy to know?\u201d (laughs). I think it\u2019s quite shocking for people who usually play farming simulators to witness their cherished animals disappearing. So, we wanted to make sure they understood that no such things would happen in the game, and that they could play it with peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Katsumata:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s right. Our previous games featured many tragic twists, so we wanted to let players know that with Village in the Shade, it would be different. So even those who enjoy life simulators will be able to have fun playing it and forming bonds with their animals. We were also hoping that it would hype up the Yomawari fans (laughs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mizokami:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We just can\u2019t resist these kinds of antics (laughs). It\u2019s a bit of playful mischief, to put it that way, but it\u2019s also something we can only do precisely because we\u2019ve earned the trust of Yomawari series fans. We\u2019re not lying at all, so we would like everyone to play the game and see the truth for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"862\" height=\"485\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px\" src=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860006.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-68301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860006.jpg 862w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860006-380x214.jpg 380w, https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260616-682860006-768x432.jpg 768w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u2013 What kind of rural life do you want the users to experience playing Village in the Shade.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mizokami:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concept is pretty much: \u201cLet\u2019s live in an insular village!\u201d Or rather, the game is themed around spending your days in a slightly unsettling rural village. Farming simulators are strongly associated with being super-focused on farm management elements, so in that sense, Village in the Shade could be simply called a \u201cliving\u201d simulator. It lets you enjoy the village lifestyle and customs, or other activities typical for the countryside, like hunting. We really want players to experience the \u201cslightly strange\u201d rural life unique to the world of Village in the Shade, so please look forward to its release!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Katsumata:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I often play farming simulations, and I\u2019m the type who gets really deep into farm layouts and efficiency. So, after actually playing Village in the Shade for several hours, I felt like it was really high in quality and an overall satisfactory experience in those aspects as well. It\u2019s great that there\u2019s a wide range of ways to enjoy it, and that everyone can tackle it in their own playstyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Furthermore, since the \u201cslightly strange\u201d rural life serves as the foundation of the story, weird topics pop up from time to time. You can focus and grind in any other farming simulator, but what makes this game so fun is that it allows you to do it in an extremely unique atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, one of the biggest appeal points of Village in the Shade, aside from its setting, is the fact that you can experience a life simulator in the beautiful 2D graphic style of the Yomawari series. So, I really want the players who said they liked the Yomawari art style but couldn\u2019t play it because it\u2019s horror to get their hands on this game.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u2013&nbsp; Thank you for your time! &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The global version of <a href=\"https:\/\/nisamerica.com\/village-in-the-shade\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Village in&nbsp;the Shade<\/a>&nbsp;is&nbsp;set to release in fall 2026 for PC (Steam), PS5 and Nintendo Switch systems. The PC version will&nbsp;support English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Traditional&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;and Korean, while the console versions will support English,&nbsp;French&nbsp;and Spanish.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AUTOMATON interview with Village in the Shade development manager Mio Katsumata and game designer Yu Mizokami.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":68289,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":"","autoblue_enabled":true,"autoblue_custom_message":"[Interview] Nippon Ichi Software\u2019s new rural life sim Village in the Shade will focus on \u201ccreating unease\u201d instead of classic horror tropes, but cozy gamers won\u2019t be left out either, devs say","autoblue_shares":[{"did":"did:plc:uzrrhkfyjrfdsynj2voztcf2","date":"2026-06-16T09:00:06+00:00","uri":"at:\/\/did:plc:uzrrhkfyjrfdsynj2voztcf2\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mofgpptki42f","response":"{\"uri\":\"at:\/\/did:plc:uzrrhkfyjrfdsynj2voztcf2\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mofgpptki42f\",\"cid\":\"bafyreibz47alrswuejja544vsp4lz4ybxq67jimxlhnpweaee4e4cwaxhm\",\"commit\":{\"cid\":\"bafyreidavud7pjirkfsjxamgpoqahqdjwr6p2sr4w3d3rprveo7lnljsci\",\"rev\":\"3mofgpptv7u2f\"},\"validationStatus\":\"valid\"}"}],"autoblue_post_url":"","autoblue_publish_document":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,3],"tags":[17],"class_list":["post-68286","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interviews","category-news","tag-japan-related-news"],"blocksy_meta":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - 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