The Japanese splatter horror game CRUELTY has arrived on home consoles. Developed by indie horror game creator 838S MANIACS in collaboration with the game development division of C&R Creative Studios, the console version launched on April 23, 2026, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. The game is available in Japan as well as the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong.
Store Pages
- Nintendo Switch: https://store-jp.nintendo.com/item/software/D70010000092932
- PlayStation: https://store.playstation.com/ja-jp/concept/10014279
Originally released in June 2024 on Epic Games Store, itch.io, and Steam, CRUELTY gained popularity both in Japan and internationally. The console version includes platform-specific achievements such as trophies, and the graphics have been optimized for improved playability.
Story
You are involved in an accident and lose consciousness. When you come to, you find yourself trapped in a hellish nightmare — a world no longer of the living. Inside a slaughterhouse ruled by madness, horrific scenes unfold around you, and there is no escape from the terror that awaits. Your only hope of survival is to unravel the mysteries of this terrifying world while evading the eyes of monstrous creatures.
Gameplay
CRUELTY is a third-person 3D survival horror game. There is no combat — survival depends on solving stage puzzles while fleeing or hiding from threats. A playthrough takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Features
- Immersive, high-quality graphics
- Cinematic cutscenes
- Elaborate horror direction and scare mechanics
- Full voice acting for a heightened sense of immersion
- Selectable difficulty levels
Product Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | CRUELTY |
| Genre | 3D Splatter Horror |
| Players | 1 |
| Release Date | April 23, 2026 |
| Price | ¥1,280 (tax included) |
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4 |
| Rating | CERO Z (Ages 18 and up) |
| Languages | English, Japanese |
| Development | 838S MANIACS / Creek & River Co., Ltd. |
| Publisher | Creek & River Co., Ltd. |
| Copyright | ©838sManiacs ©CREEK & RIVER Co., Ltd. |
Official Website: https://ip.crdg.jp/cruelty/
Promotional Video (YouTube): ※Contains graphic content
https://youtu.be/CsU4YYqFTXc
Player Reviews from the Steam Version
- "A rare, high-quality Japanese splatter horror game — enough to fully satisfy fans of the genre."
- "Love this world! Looking forward to being able to play it on PS too!"
- "An absolute must-play for horror fans. A truly terrifying horror game!"
- "A thoroughly authentic Japanese splatter horror game unlike anything else — had a great time with it!"
- "The playtime is just right, and aside from being genuinely scary, it's easy to pick up and play!"
- "Beautiful graphics, superb lighting, and well-crafted horror direction. A very carefully made game!"
Developer: 838S MANIACS

A horror game developer who released the survival horror game Alice | Airizumi, set at a Japanese construction site, in 2021. CRUELTY followed in June 2024. Alongside game development, 838S MANIACS is also the founder and CEO of Creappia Inc., a startup focused on business succession solutions for regional small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Website: https://lit.link/838smaniacs
- X: https://x.com/838sManiacs
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@838smaniacs
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@838sManiacs
On the console release, 838S MANIACS commented:
"Thanks to our connection with C&R, we were able to fulfill our long-held dream of bringing CRUELTY to consoles. The porting work — including platform-specific optimization that other companies had declined due to high development costs — was completed in just about a year. I'm truly grateful for the technical skill and execution shown by the team at C&R. The port was achieved without compromising graphical quality, and with improvements to controls and the addition of features like haptic feedback, I believe it offers an even more polished experience than the PC version. Whether you've already played the PC version or are coming to CRUELTY for the first time, the game is designed to be enjoyed by players of all ages. The difficulty is accessible — much like watching a horror film — so please enjoy the terror of CRUELTY with your family and friends."
Official Merchandise
CRUELTY-themed merchandise is available.
Long Sleeve T-Shirt — ¥4,345 (tax included)
https://bit.ly/4jIwvQs
Oversized T-Shirt — ¥4,730 (tax included)
https://bit.ly/3EjhZ1f
Big Silhouette T-Shirt — ¥4,730 (tax included)
https://bit.ly/4hJxi1L
Heavyweight T-Shirt — ¥4,140 (tax included)
https://bit.ly/40ZAxg3