Mob Entertainment will release *Escape From Playtime*, a new cooperative horror game set in the world of *Poppy Playtime*, on PC (Steam) via Early Access on October 22, 2026 (Japan Time).
In this game, players take on the role of one of the “Smiling Critters” from *Poppy Playtime* and aim to escape from a derelict toy factory. Online co-op play is available for 1 to 8 players.
*Escape From Playtime* Steam page!
A cooperative horror game where you and your friends must escape a ruined toy factory
The story is set in a dilapidated toy factory. You and your friends are trapped inside the factory and must navigate ever-shifting hallways while guided by a mysterious voice that reveals no purpose. Your goal is to gather tools and survive the monsters lurking in the darkness.
The areas within the facility change with every playthrough. You’ll explore classrooms, warehouses, laboratories, and the hallways connecting them. Roaming the facility are the factory’s inhabitants—failed creations of Playtime Inc., just like the players.
Another key feature of this game is using everything inside the factory to survive. Utilize tools, clues, and hiding spots to distract enemies and take alternate routes to shake off pursuers. When collecting parts and resources, you must gather only what you need and carry it back to a safe location.
An Interview with Game Director Brandon James
We interviewed Game Director Brandon James about the development history and design philosophy behind this game.
――First, please introduce yourself and tell us your favorite game.
Brandon James (hereinafter Brandon): Hello, I’m Brandon James, the Game Director for *Escape From Playtime*. When asked about my favorite game, I always find it a difficult question to answer.Instead, it’s easier for me to answer by thinking about the elements I value most in a game—player agency and mastery, emergence, exploration, and replayability. When I think about it that way, *Hades* comes to mind. *Hades* is a game that excels in all of those areas.
—How did development on this title begin?
Brandon: At Mob, we’d long been fascinated by the idea of a multiplayer experience set in the *Poppy Playtime* universe.As the story and world expanded, we realized that not only could we experience the factory from a different perspective, but there was also tremendous potential to enjoy it together with friends. We first tested this concept with an asymmetrical multiplayer game, which was very well-received by fans. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for the development team as well, and we’ve applied much of what we learned from that to *Escape From Playtime*.
――Please tell us about the concept and design philosophy behind this game.
Brandon: In terms of concept and design philosophy, *Escape From Playtime* represents a major step forward for us. We’re building the story in multiple ways, some of which haven’t been revealed yet.The game is set after the “Hour of Joy” and before the timeline of *Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1*—a period that, so to speak, offers us a great deal of creative freedom. Thanks to that, we’ve been able to delve into themes and aspects of the world that we hadn’t been able to fully explore before.
Furthermore, the presence of the Smiling Critter is a major highlight.This is the first time players can experience “Playtime Co.” from the perspective of a toy, allowing us to introduce new aspects of fear and helplessness that weren’t depicted in previous installments of the series. Also, because the story is set before Chapter 1, it’s a title that even those completely unfamiliar with *Poppy Playtime* can fully enjoy—in fact, we believe it serves as a great new entry point into the series.
At the same time, there are plenty of elements for longtime fans to enjoy as well—familiar locations, the monsters that appear, and new twists added to elements within the factory that players “thought they knew.”
――Please tell us about the key features of this title.
Brandon: First and foremost is the integration of co-op play with the quota collection and extraction mechanics.
Whether you’re playing with a single friend or a full party of four or more, everyone has a role to play in achieving the ultimate goal: meeting the quota. During our playtests so far, it’s been a real joy to watch each player develop their own unique playstyle.Some players excel at support or healing, while others prefer to confront enemies head-on, and still others focus solely on collecting items and moving from point A to point B. We discover new ways to play every day, and the variety of playstyles is truly vast.
I believe this is the true appeal of this game’s cooperative play. No two groups of friends play the same way—and that’s exactly the point. Even within the familiar world of “Playtime Co.,” every playthrough offers a different experience.
Next, let’s look at the finer details of solo play. As a Smiling Critter, you can explore the factory from the perspective of a small toy.You can climb walls, move around rooms like you’re doing parkour, and explore every nook and cranny of each area’s layout. How you handle items (routes)—whether to use them or sell them, whether to remain loyal to your teammates or sacrifice them for your own safety—these choices are also elements that create differences from one playthrough to the next.
Some items grant beneficial effects or abilities, but others can inflict damage on your companions. Conversely, you can heal your companions or give them a sewing kit to help them meet their quotas. Furthermore, you can even eat parts of a fallen companion’s body to restore your own health.Packed with chaotic and fun elements, no two runs will ever follow the same path to the goal.
Close-range voice chat is also a key element. Speaking loudly when enemies are nearby risks ending the game in an instant, but failing to communicate also poses a risk. Since the experience changes drastically depending on how your playstyle evolves, I’m really looking forward to seeing how the community plays the game after release.
“Escape From Playtime” Steam page!
――Who do you hope will play this game?
Brandon: “Escape From Playtime” is a game that anyone who enjoys co-op and horror will find fun.
We’ve intentionally designed it so that even those unfamiliar with *Poppy Playtime* can fully enjoy it, but at the same time, it serves as a new entry point into the series. We’ve also prepared substantial narrative rewards for those who go on to explore the *Chapter* series or have been following along since *Chapter 1*.
For existing fans, it’s an opportunity to experience the world and characters they already know from a completely different perspective. For newcomers, on the other hand, it’s an experience that offers a glimpse into the early days of “Playtime Co.”—before it was fully developed.From the player’s perspective, the setting—which could be described as “the era before time existed” in this world—offers a thoroughly enjoyable experience as you discover what “Playtime Co.” truly is.
And even at a glance, the premise is easy to grasp. As a small toy, you must hide and run from creative monsters trying to kill you.There are goals, there are missions, and there are countless ways to play. Whether you’ve been dissecting the ‘Poppy Playtime’ lore for years or are stepping into this world for the first time, ‘Escape From Playtime’ is packed with charm.
――Are there any works that influenced this game?
Brandon: Rather than being directly influenced by any specific work, *Escape From Playtime* is, so to speak, the “final form”—a culmination of the *Poppy Playtime* story we’ve been building for years, combined with the inspiration we gained from our first multiplayer project.*Escape From Playtime* can be seen as the evolved form resulting from that accumulation.That said, the term “final form” is meant to be a bit of a joke—the game will first be released in Early Access. This will allow us to incorporate feedback from the community as we continue development, expand the gameplay experience, and ultimately create something truly special for our players and fans.
Currently, the multiplayer market is dominated by cooperative play—particularly the genre known as “friend-sloap”—and horror games make up a significant portion of that. There’s a clear demand for playing together with friends, getting scared together, and sharing memorable experiences.
However, there was a time before “friend-sloops” became the mainstream. While we have great respect for the many titles in this genre, we want to deliver a unique experience that evokes both a sense of novelty and nostalgia.
—Are there any points to keep in mind regarding streaming or monetization of this game?
Brandon: None in particular! You can play *Escape From Playtime* with complete peace of mind when it comes to streaming and monetization. For the best experience, we recommend playing with 4–5 friends. Also, make sure everyone has a microphone so you can take full advantage of the proximity voice chat feature.
――Finally, please share a message for our readers.
Brandon: We’re really looking forward to bringing *Escape From Playtime* to fans overseas, including our fans in Japan!
We’ve seen so many wonderful and unique pieces of art from our Japanese fans, and I feel that the Smiling Critters, in particular, will really resonate with everyone in Japan.
We’d be thrilled if you enjoyed the experience of becoming a creepy-cute Smiling Critter during your adventure in *Escape From Playtime*!
Click here for the*Escape From Playtime* Steam page!
Product & Store Information
Title: Escape From Playtime
Developer/Publisher: Mob Entertainment
Platform: PC (Steam)
Players: 1–8 (online co-op)
Genre: Co-op, Horror, Extraction, Puzzle
Release Date: October 22, 2026 (Japan Time, Early Access)
Price: 1,390 yen
Poppy Playtime Japan Official Website: https://www.infolens.com/PoppyPlaytimeJP/
Poppy Playtime Official Japan X: https://x.com/PoppyPlaytimeJP
"Escape From Playtime" will be available in Early Access for PC (Steam) starting October 22, 2026 (Japan Time). The price is 1,390 yen.
