Asymmetrical Horror Game 'Kakure Oni: Hide-and-Seek Horror' Announces Second Closed Beta Test! Experience FORCES' Latest Version Firsthand

FORCES Co., Ltd. has announced the second Closed Beta Test (CBT) for its in-development asymmetrical multiplayer horror game, 'Kakure Oni: Hide-and-Seek Horror'.

The first CBT received an overwhelming number of participants, and the team gathered valuable feedback through playtesting. The company sincerely thanks all participants for their support.

For the second CBT, players can enjoy a significantly updated version, with major improvements to both gameplay systems and graphics based on feedback from the first test.

Second Closed Beta Test (CBT) Overview

- Application: Via Steam store page - Application Period: June 10, 2026 (Wed), 10:00 JST onwards - Test Period: June 15 (Mon) to June 22 (Mon), 2026 (tentative) - Supported Languages: Japanese / English (UI only)

Play Together with Game-Developing VTubers in a Live Stream!

Following the first CBT, the development VTuber unit 'Pixelade!' will host a special live-streamed event titled 'Second CBT Trial Play'. During the first event, developers and participants played together while explaining the game's basics and mechanics, sharing real-time excitement and tension.

The second live stream will continue this format, showcasing the latest updates and how previous feedback has been implemented. The team will continue to collect player impressions, feedback, and bug reports during the test.

What is 'Kakure Oni: Hide-and-Seek Horror'?

'Kakure Oni: Hide-and-Seek Horror' is a fast-paced asymmetrical horror game set in an abandoned school at night, where matches conclude within three minutes. Players are divided into 'hiders' (children) and the 'seeker' (the Oni), engaging in a tense game of hide-and-seek relying solely on a flashlight, sound cues, and environmental awareness.

Hiders can communicate via walkie-talkies, but risk being overheard if the Oni is nearby. Additionally, a mysterious 'third presence' roams the map, introducing unpredictable chaos to the gameplay. Despite its cute visuals, the game delivers intense psychological tension and highly replayable short matches.

Update Details

### Gameplay Evolution: Expanded Actions and Deeper Tactics

[CBT2 Update #1] Game Systems & Actions

Based on feedback from the first CBT, the range of actions available to both the Oni, the children, and environmental interactions has been greatly expanded.

The Oni now gains the ability to cling to and move across ceilings, adding a terrifying new dimension to its pursuit—no longer limited to crawling on floors, but now able to approach from above.

New hiding spots, such as individual toilet stalls, have been added to the map, increasing strategic depth. The behavior of the 'ghost'—a neutral entity that disrupts players—has also been overhauled. While players found the ghost too dominant in the first CBT, it has now been redesigned to remain quiet and passive in the early game, gradually increasing its presence and activity as time progresses. This ensures the ghost enhances the horror atmosphere without overshadowing the core hide-and-seek gameplay.

Experience the heightened tension of being hunted and the thrill of the hunt in this refined second CBT.

### Fully Revamped Visuals and Atmosphere: Authentic Japanese Horror Aesthetic

[CBT2 Update #2] Visuals & Presentation

For the second CBT, placeholder assets have been replaced with final-quality visuals.

The setting—a wooden, old abandoned school—now fully embodies a hauntingly atmospheric world. A new shrine has been added to the stage, where the Oni emerges, enhancing the narrative and visual impact.

Character models have been refined. The children retain their stylized design but now feature more detailed, nostalgic school uniforms reminiscent of daily commutes. The Oni’s design has been completely overhauled—from a human-like silhouette in the first CBT to a truly monstrous, otherworldly form designed to evoke primal fear, embodying the feeling of 'encountering something you should never have met'.

Lighting has been reworked to balance horror and gameplay. While maintaining a terrifying atmosphere, lighting now varies by floor, with intentionally brighter areas to make dark spaces feel even more ominous. The first CBT used realistic darkness based on actual abandoned buildings, but this led to gameplay issues such as poor visibility and indistinguishable locations. The second CBT introduces a new lighting system that harmonizes fear and playability.

Experience a more thrilling horror adventure in the second CBT with enhanced stages and cinematic presentation.

The Game-Developing VTuber Unit Behind 'Kakure Oni': 'Pixelade!'

Motivated by the desire to share their game with as many people as possible, a group of professional game artists launched 'Pixelade!' as a VTuber unit.

They regularly share development progress through YouTube livestreams and Note posts. Be sure to check them out.

- Pixelade! - X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/Pixelade_party - Note: https://note.com/pixelade_forces - Black Pixelade! - X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/blackpixelade

About FORCES Co., Ltd.

Founded in July 2013 in Iwamotocho, Chiyoda Ward, Akihabara area, Tokyo, FORCES is a game development company specializing in creating immersive virtual worlds and visually rich CG content. The company excels in original game development and also produces content for VR, films, and commercials.

### Company Overview

- Company Name: FORCES Co., Ltd. - Headquarters: 3-9-17 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0032, Japan - Representative: Takayoshi Nihira, President & CEO - Founded: July 25, 2013 - Official Website: https://forces.co.jp/

### Media Contact

- FORCES Co., Ltd. Public Relations - Email: info@forces.co.jp