A new multiplayer social deduction game featuring octopus firefighters has been officially revealed. OCTOPinbs, developed by Japanese studios tri-Ace and Lasengle, Inc. and published by Aniplex, is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam in the second quarter of 2026. The game was unveiled during The MIX (Media Indie Exchange) showcase, an event known for highlighting upcoming indie and experimental titles in the global gaming industry.
Chaotic Firefighting Meets Social Deception
OCTOPinbs blends cooperative firefighting action with social deduction gameplay, a genre popularized by titles like Among Us. In each match, three to ten players take on the roles of octopus firefighters responding to a burning building.
The objective seems simple: put out fires before the structure burns down. But hidden among the team is a secret saboteur known as the Artist—a squid character who deliberately starts fires for aesthetic reasons.
Players must coordinate their firefighting efforts while also watching for suspicious behavior. Teammates can peek into nearby rooms to catch the saboteur in the act. If players suspect someone of being the Artist, they can send them to the Octojar, a mechanic used to reveal the character’s true identity.
However, exposing the saboteur doesn’t immediately end the round, adding another layer of strategy to the gameplay.
Firefighters vs. the Artist
Victory conditions in OCTOPinbs depend on which side prevails.
Firefighters win by successfully extinguishing fires throughout the building before time runs out. The Artist, on the other hand, wins by allowing the building to burn down.
Even after the Artist’s identity is revealed, the match continues until the timer expires. During this phase, the gameplay can shift dramatically into a more direct player-versus-player confrontation.
Fire Gauge Adds Strategic Depth
One of the game’s core mechanics is the Fire Gauge, which increases while the Artist remains disguised.
As the gauge builds, the Artist’s attacks become significantly stronger once their identity is revealed. This creates an important strategic decision: remain hidden to build power or reveal themselves early to cause immediate destruction.
According to the developers, timing this reveal could determine the outcome of the match.
Fast-Paced Approach to Social Deduction
Aniplex says the game aims to make social deduction more accessible by emphasizing action over lengthy debates.
“Social deduction games require strong communication skills and drawn-out discussions, but the action-oriented approach to OCTOPinbs makes it truly differentiated and easy for everyone to enjoy its simple formula,” Aniplex said in a statement.
“Trying to maintain focus amidst the chaos makes every match a special experience, and we have many more gameplay details to share before launch.”
The focus on real-time action could appeal to players who enjoy the tension of deduction games but prefer faster gameplay similar to party-based multiplayer titles common on platforms like Steam.
Reveal Trailer Debuts at The MIX Showcase
The game’s first trailer premiered during The MIX Spring Game Showcase, offering an early look at the colorful art style, chaotic firefighting mechanics, and the sabotage gameplay at the heart of the experience.
The developers also released screenshots and gameplay assets alongside the reveal.
OCTOPinbs will launch on PC via Steam in Spring 2026, with language support including:
- English
- Japanese
- Simplified Chinese
- Portuguese
- German
- Korean
- Spanish
- French
Players interested in updates can follow the game’s official website, social media channels, or join its community Discord server.
About the Developers
tri-Ace
tri-Ace Inc., founded in 1995 in Tokyo, is a well-known Japanese video game development studio created by former members of Wolfteam. The company is recognized for producing action-oriented role-playing games with deep combat systems and complex mechanics.
Lasengle
Lasengle, Inc. is a subsidiary of Aniplex focused on game planning, development, and live-service operations. The studio previously worked on the hugely successful mobile title Fate/Grand Order, which has generated millions of downloads worldwide, as well as the 2D fighting game MELTY BLOOD: TYPE LUMINA.
Conclusion
With its unusual premise, fast-paced firefighting gameplay, and social deduction mechanics, OCTOPinbs aims to bring a fresh twist to the multiplayer party game genre. As its planned 2026 Steam launch approaches, developers say more gameplay details and updates will be revealed in the coming months.
Infuriatingly humble organizer. Entrepreneur. Zombie guru. Professional creator. Future teen idol.
