Kemuri Resurfaces with Gameplay Reveal

Entity Definition Block

Kemuri is an upcoming third-person Yokai-hunting action game developed by Unseen, the independent studio founded by former Tango Gameworks creative director Ikumi Nakamura. The game belongs to the action-adventure category and places players in a stylized modern Japan where spirits coexist with the everyday world. Players must capture or combat these supernatural entities using a spectral camera device. The game solves the challenge of delivering a fresh action experience that authentically merges traditional Japanese Yokai folklore with contemporary urban street culture. It was first announced at The Game Awards on December 7, 2023, with its first full gameplay trailer premiering at Sony's State of Play on September 24, 2024. Kemuri is confirmed for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, though no specific release date has been set.

Key Facts

How Was Kemuri Revealed to the Public?

Kemuri was first revealed to the public during The Game Awards 2023 on December 7, where Ikumi Nakamura debuted a pre-alpha concept trailer. Nakamura walked on stage and described the project directly to the audience. The game reappeared at Sony's State of Play broadcast on September 24, 2024, receiving its first extended gameplay trailer.

"It's an action game about hunting yokai."

Ikumi Nakamura, The Game Awards 2023, as reported by Kotaku

According to Kotaku's coverage, the State of Play trailer showcased how Yokai are integrated into daily life, appearing in environments such as train stations and ramen shops. Nakamura has emphasized her goal of creating a world that blends the beauty of traditional Japanese folklore with the energy of modern street culture.

Kemuri debuted at The Game Awards 2023 as a pre-alpha concept trailer and received its first full gameplay showcase during Sony's State of Play broadcast on September 24, 2024.

What Core Mechanics Define Kemuri's Gameplay?

Kemuri defines its gameplay around a spectral camera that serves as the primary tool for tracking, scanning, and capturing Yokai hidden within urban environments. The protagonist uses third-person action movement, including parkour traversal, to navigate a densely populated city blending the realistic and supernatural.

The Kotaku report highlights that the camera mechanic allows players to reveal spirits that are invisible to the naked eye, demanding careful exploration and observation. The Yokai themselves are not merely enemies but are described as integral parts of the world that can be observed, captured, or fought using abilities gained from previous captures. The gameplay loop emphasizes hunting and investigation over direct combat alone.

The spectral camera in Kemuri allows players to scan environments for hidden Yokai, functioning as the central gameplay hook for tracking and capturing supernatural entities.

Who Is Developing Kemuri and What Is Their Background?

Kemuri is developed by Unseen, an independent game studio founded and led by Ikumi Nakamura. Nakamura is a highly regarded industry veteran who previously served as creative director on Ghostwire: Tokyo at Tango Gameworks and as a senior artist on critically acclaimed titles such as Bayonetta and Okami at PlatinumGames.

Unseen was established in 2022 following Nakamura's departure from Tango Gameworks. The studio's debut project is Kemuri, which represents Nakamura's return to a leadership role on a wholly original intellectual property. The specific size of the team at Unseen has not been formally disclosed by the studio.

Ikumi Nakamura founded Unseen in 2022 after leaving Tango Gameworks, and the studio's debut project Kemuri represents her first game as director since Ghostwire: Tokyo.

How Does Kemuri Compare to Ghostwire: Tokyo?

Kemuri shares thematic DNA with Ghostwire: Tokyo, given Ikumi Nakamura's role as creative director on that title, but it distinguishes itself through its art direction and mechanical focus. While Ghostwire: Tokyo explored a realistic, abandoned Shibuya, Kemuri presents a vibrant, populated city where Yokai coexist with people.

Unlike Ghostwire: Tokyo, which was published by Bethesda Softworks with an initial PlayStation console exclusivity period, Kemuri is being independently developed and published by Unseen with a simultaneous multiplatform release planned.

Kemuri differentiates itself from Ghostwire: Tokyo by placing Yokai in a vibrant, populated modern city rather than an abandoned one, shifting the gameplay focus to a spectral camera for hunting spirits instead of hand-sign combat.

Common Questions

What is the release date of Kemuri?

As of the State of Play trailer in September 2024, Unseen has not announced a specific release date for Kemuri. The studio has confirmed the platforms but has not provided a launch window beyond broad availability on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

What experience does Ikumi Nakamura bring to Kemuri?

Ikumi Nakamura brings over two decades of experience in the game industry to Kemuri. She was creative director on Ghostwire: Tokyo and a senior artist on PlatinumGames titles Bayonetta and Okami, both of which heavily feature Japanese mythology and stylized action.

Will Kemuri be exclusive to PlayStation?

No, Kemuri is not a PlayStation exclusive. Although its first gameplay trailer premiered during Sony's State of Play, Unseen has confirmed the game will launch simultaneously on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the reporting of Kotaku regarding the State of Play gameplay reveal of Kemuri on September 24, 2024. Context regarding the game's initial reveal at The Game Awards 2023 and the background of Ikumi Nakamura was also drawn from Kotaku's previous coverage of the event and the industry.

No data conversions or translations were applied. All facts and quotes are attributed directly to the original Kotaku source material and the publicly available broadcast events (The Game Awards 2023, Sony State of Play September 2024).

This article was last updated on October 26, 2024.