Japanese solo developer Kyamei has unveiled the Steam store page for their newest title, Naniwa Underground, as of August 26. The game is billed as a life simulator situated in a fictional Osaka where societal order has completely collapsed, granting players the freedom to act as they please in a city spiraling into chaos. Kyamei’s YouTube channel also debuted a trailer to coincide with the store page launch.
The main character of Naniwa Underground is portrayed as a social recluse who finds themselves jobless and recently evicted from their home due to unpaid rent. With nowhere to live, players must determine how to survive in the crime-infested streets of Osaka, choosing between seeking legitimate employment or embracing a life of crime.
Upon selecting a male or female protagonist (Senri Namba or Minami Senri), players will immediately need to secure income, gather food, and find shelter. The Steam store page cautions that sleeping outdoors could make one “vulnerable to nighttime attacks,” suggesting that in dire straits, breaking into a residence is presented as a possible solution.
The criminal activities available in Naniwa Underground range from discreet acts like pickpocketing to more daring ones such as drug trafficking. The game’s trailer demonstrates players holding up a convenience store at gunpoint, forcing the clerk to open the cash register.
Any non-player character harmed in the game is sent to a hospital for a set duration. Interestingly, players can be forgiven for their misdeeds by visiting the injured NPC’s hospital bed and offering an apology, allowing them to maintain a positive relationship. Alternatively, players have the option to “permanently eliminate” them through lethal means.
Developer Kyamei has disclosed on their Ci-en profile that work on Naniwa Underground commenced in 2025, with the Grand Theft Auto series cited as the primary inspiration. Kyamei further explains that the aim was to create a crime simulator set in their hometown of Osaka, which explains why many in-game locations mirror real places in the city. Previous posts on X indicate that an additional feature allowing all NPCs to speak in a “strong Kansai dialect” is also being developed, underscoring the game’s commitment to authenticity.
Naniwa Underground is scheduled for release on PC via Steam. The game’s launch date remains unannounced. It should be noted that English language support has not yet been confirmed.