Whitehorn Games, Indie publisher of cozy fan-favorites likeAPICO,Wytchwood,andLake, is working alongside developer Waking Oni Games to release a new arcade-style hot springs management game calledOnsen Masternext month. Players can look forward to visiting the cooling waters of the island of Izajima as the game’s protagonist, Mu, who is the apprentice of the keeper of the hot springs that has gone missing.Onsen Masterwill be available on July 12, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
Onsen Masterfeatures arcade-style single and two-player co-op, where players can manage the customers of their hot springs, and prepare the correct ingredients in order to cure their ailments.The multitasking ofOvercookedand other similar gamescomes to mind as players will have to juggle various tasks in order to keep the hot springs running efficiently. Running around the hot springs, herding meandering customers, and putting the proper concoctions into the correct baths can be hectic enough already, but troublesome yokai look to impede players’ excellent service as well.
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The yokai add an element to the game that is reminiscent ofthe spirit hotel gameYokai Innas mischievous spirits called yokai are running amok within the island’s hot springs.Onsen Masterhas a few key features that are noteworthy. One of the game’s modes is a short and sweet story for up to two players that unveils the island of Izajima in a visual novel style narrative with a cute anime aesthetic.
Players can also skip the story and dive right in with Arcade Mode. Players can choose one of the 6 hot spring levels to put their customer service skills to the test. A competitive couch multiplayer mode tasks players with working together to manage their customers within the same hot spring. And finally,Onsen Masterfeatures an original soundtrack full of tunes akin to a Feudal fairytail, composed by Dorrell Ettienne.
Whitehorn Games is an indie game publisher that focuses on pleasant, cozy games that can be played in pieces, that require no special skills or knowledge, and that anyone can pick up and play. It isthe publisher behindAPICO,which is a game that truly celebrates coziness, comfort, and serenity. Whitehorn Games is working closely with the developer, Waking Oni Games, which is a BIPOC led indie studio, creating experiences that are meant to uplift underrepresented voices while exploring cultural intersections, media, and nostalgia.
Thesemangement-style games are usefulfor players seeking to improve their time management skills or work on other executive functioning skills, showing yet again that gaming has benefits far beyond that of pure entertainment. Players can look forward to getting their hands onOnsen Masternext month.
Onsen Masterwill release on Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on July 02, 2025.
