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From Minimalist Horror to Cosmic Terror
With a concept as simple as walking through a looping corridor, The Exit 8 became one of the biggest indie horror hits of 2023. Developed by solo creator Kotake Create, its uncanny mix of repetition, tension, and psychological unease turned it into a global phenomenon. The success even led to a live-action adaptation that performed strongly at the Japanese box office.
Now, Kotake is trading claustrophobic subways for the vast unknown. His next project, Pale Dots, aims to stretch his signature sense of dread to cosmic proportions.
A New Identity for a Familiar Project
Pale Dots is not entirely new. It is a rebranded version of Kotake’s earlier announced title, Strange Shadow, which has since evolved far beyond its original concept.
Where The Exit 8 and Platform 8 focused on minimalist spaces and psychological tension, Pale Dots expands both its scale and perspective. Players will step into the role of an astronaut stranded on a desolate planet, searching for a way home while evading colossal alien creatures that roam the surface.
First Look: Isolation on a Dying World
Kotake has released only a short teaser, but it already hints at a dramatic shift in tone and scope. The footage reveals a third-person perspective, vast alien landscapes, and atmospheric lighting that amplifies the sense of isolation.
According to the developer, players will be able to perform a variety of defensive actions to survive. Specific gameplay systems have not yet been detailed, but the focus appears to be on tension, scale, and survival within a hostile world.
Still Without a Launch Date
At the time of writing, Kotake Create has not confirmed a release window for Pale Dots. The earlier 2025 target associated with Strange Shadow has been withdrawn due to development delays.
For now, the game is confirmed for PC, with its Steam page currently being updated with new screenshots and design details. Although information remains limited, Pale Dots looks set to evolve Kotake’s brand of minimalist horror into something larger, stranger, and far more terrifying.
