project; VIRAI: DOOMER's LIFE ESCAPE
TOKYO, JAPAN – October 16, 2026 – Beep Japan Inc., in partnership with RIKANIMATION and independent developer boddiul, has revealed a new story trailer for project;VIRAI: DOOMER’s LIFE ESCAPE during The MIX Fall Showcase 2026, alongside the release of a new playable demo on Steam.
The new trailer offers a closer look at Hicha, a hikikomori girl struggling with depression whose life revolves around the virtual reality platform VITA and its beloved virtual idol, VIRAI.
But what happens when the one thing giving her life meaning suddenly disappears?
Featuring distinctive artwork by RIKANI, project;VIRAI combines psychological life simulation, branching narratives, and mixed-media storytelling to explore Hicha’s struggles as players determine how her story unfolds.
Watch the New Story Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_yCBA6KOOg
What Happens When Your Only Escape Disappears?
Hicha rarely leaves her apartment. She has no friends, little connection to the outside world, and seemingly nothing to look forward to.
Her only escape is VITA, a virtual reality platform where VIRAI, a beloved virtual idol, has everything Hicha doesn’t.
But when Hicha suddenly loses the one thing that gives her life meaning, she’s forced to confront a reality she’s spent so long trying to escape.
Will she give up, fight to reclaim what she’s lost, or find another reason to keep going?
In project;VIRAI, players experience Hicha’s everyday life through a psychological life simulator where each decision affects her mental state.
One bad habit becomes another. One good day doesn’t erase yesterday.
With 10 different endings, players’ choices determine whether Hicha finds hope, acceptance, or something much darker.
The game also features a distinctive mixed-media presentation, combining pixel art, anime illustrations, 3D exploration, visual novel storytelling, and surreal dream sequences.
A New Demo Is Now Available on SteamAlongside the story trailer reveal, a new playable demo of project;VIRAI: DOOMER’s LIFE ESCAPE is now available on Steam.
The latest demo features improved animations, an updated user interface, bug fixes, and additional language support, including Japanese.
Players can experience Hicha’s daily life, explore the world of VITA, and get a glimpse of the psychological challenges that await in the full game.
Play the New Demo and Wishlist on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3434180/
Discover project;VIRAI During The MIX Steam Sale
Following its appearance at The MIX Fall Showcase 2026, project;VIRAI is also participating in The MIX Steam Sale from October 17–24, 2026.
Players discovering the game through the showcase or Steam event can watch the newly revealed story trailer, experience the new demo, and add project;VIRAI to their Steam wishlist.
Bringing VIRAI to Life: RIKANI’s Creative VisionKnown for her distinctive anime-inspired artwork and online presence, RIKANI is an artist, animator, and influential online creator whose creative vision plays a central role in project;VIRAI: DOOMER’s LIFE ESCAPE.
As the artist behind VIRAI, RIKANI brings her recognizable visual style to the game’s characters and world, combining expressive illustrations with the psychological themes at the heart of Hicha’s story.
Her involvement extends beyond the game’s artwork, helping shape its creative identity and the way players experience the world of VITA.
RIKANI recently visited Japan to introduce project;VIRAI to Japanese gaming media, offering a closer look at the game’s development and the creative ideas behind it.
Follow project; VIRAI on X: https://x.com/projectvirai
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD_iY-02nyw
Press Kit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_TRiyMTBx2a5KT-um0gldVSxGvNLqEBC
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About project; VIRAI: DOOMER’s LIFE ESCAPE
project; VIRAI: DOOMER’s LIFE ESCAPE is a horror-RPG with visual novel and psychological thriller elements developed by RIKANIMATION and boddiul.
Players live the life of Hicha, a shut-in hikikomori girl trapped in an endless depressive routine whose only source of meaning is Virai, her virtual alter ego and a singer in the global social network VITA.
Through life simulation, branching choices, multiple visual styles, ARG-style mysteries, and 10 different endings, players must help Virai find success while determining whether Hicha can escape her reality before it consumes her completely.
About RIKANIMATION
RIKANIMATION is a 2D animation and visual production studio founded in 2021 and led by artist and director RIKANI. The studio specializes in animation inspired by Japanese anime and the production of commercial promotional videos.
About boddiul
boddiul is an independent game developer, designer, and programmer from Moldova known for creating experimental games and prototypes through various game jams.
About Beep Japan, Inc.
Beep Japan, Inc. is a dedicated game publisher expanding from its roots in Japan to bring exceptional PC and console gaming experiences to players worldwide. With a team of experienced industry professionals, Beep has built a strong reputation for publishing notable titles in Japan, spanning both major hits and creative indie games.
Committed to supporting developers in bringing their visionary games to life, Beep also ensures gamers enjoy immersive and memorable experiences, fostering a vibrant global gaming community.