HumaNature Studios, led by ToeJam & Earl and Doki Doki Universe creator Greg Johnson, has announced Dancing with Ghosts, a wholesome interactive narrative adventure game about finding joy from grief.

Dancing with Ghosts is in development for Windows PC (via Steam) and Switch with a release set for 2026. A Kickstarter campaign is planned to help fund the rest of the game, which will launch in October.

Here’s a rundown on the game, plus its reveal trailer:

Dancing with Ghosts is a wholesome,  interactive-narrative with a compelling, heartfelt story full of charm and humor.  The interactive narrative is set within the chill, sim-type gameplay of a living village. Players play the role of Mai, a 15 year old Thai girl who feels lost and overcome with guilt because of the death of her parents. Mai meets an 11 year old ghost, who has lost her memory and who is trapped in this world.

Mai is the only one who can see the ghost, and there is a reason why their fates are tied together. Mai decides to help the ghost remember who she was and fulfill her dream so she can move on. Ironically, Mai, the living girl, struggles to enjoy life, while the ghost girl is full of vibrancy and life. Mai sets out to help the ghost, but it is really the ghost that teaches Mai how to be fully alive.

Dancing with Ghosts is at the heart of the story and at the heart of the gameplay. The story bravely dives into questions about life and death, with heart and sensitivity. It explores themes of self-forgiveness, acceptance, empathy for the struggles of others, and even romance… well, in a very innocent and sweet way.

Players get to play both as Mai and as the ghost. As Mai you help others in the village and earn good Karma to help Pim on her way. You play cultural mini-games that are integrated into the themes of the story. 

Players also play as the ghost, entering the minds of everyone in the village and hearing their thoughts. The ghost is able to help these people by bringing them ‘Heartlights’ for positive energy, and is able to hear what their needs are and then communicate this to Mai, who can then help them.