The titular Exit 8—but will you ever get there? (Photo: Suirinsha Co., Ltd.)

Exit 8: The Horror Game That Inspired a Movie

Japanese train stations are about to get creepier...

The titular Exit 8—but will you ever get there? (Photo: Suirinsha Co., Ltd.)
Ryan Noble   - 6 min read

Have you ever found yourself walking through a strangely quiet hallway, unsure of where it ends—or if it ever will? Exit 8, the eerie walking simulator that captured imaginations with its minimalistic yet unsettling gameplay, is now making the leap to the big screen.

Here’s everything you need to know…

What is Exit 8?

In Exit 8, you’re trapped in an endless underground passageway. The only way out? Carefully observe your surroundings. If you spot anything unusual—an “anomaly”—you must turn back. If everything seems normal, continue walking. But choose wisely: turning back when you shouldn’t, or ignoring an anomaly, could trap you forever.

Inspired by Japanese underground passageways, liminal spaces, and the haunting internet folklore of the backrooms, Exit 8 blends psychological tension with visual minimalism. Despite its simplicity, it has captivated players around the world since 2023 with its atmosphere and clever mechanics.

Playable in Japanese and English, the game’s rules are easy to grasp, making it accessible even if you’re new to the genre. With a playtime of just 15–60 minutes, Exit 8 delivers a short, unforgettable experience, courtesy of developer Kotake Create and publisher PLAYISM.

Where can you play Exit 8?

Exit 8 is available on:

Is Exit 8 getting a film?

The atmospheric tension of Exit 8 has proven so powerful that it's being adapted into a feature film. The movie will premiere in Japan on August 29, 2025, with an international release to follow in September 2025. It was even selected to be screened at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival—a testament to its artistic impact and unsettling atmosphere.

The Exit 8 sequel: Platform 8 (のりば8)

The eerie world of Exit 8 has already expanded, with a follow-up game—Platform 8—having been released on PC and consoles in November 2024. This time, you’re trapped aboard a train that seems to run endlessly. Once again, you must detect anomalies in your environment to find your way out.

Much like its predecessor, Platform 8 is a short walking simulator of about 15–60 minutes inspired by liminal spaces—this time rooted within the Japanese train itself. The concept is simple: keep walking, but beware of anything that feels off.

Platform 8 is available on:

As seen on the official PLAYISM website, physical versions of the games were also released in November, combining both games on one disc.

Got a train to catch?

Whether you're a fan of minimalist horror, fascinated by liminal spaces, or just curious about a unique gaming experience, Exit 8 and its upcoming sequel are well worth a walk through the uncanny. And don’t forget to take your seat at local theatres when the Exit 8 film rolls into the station, but don’t miss your exit...

Ryan Noble

Ryan Noble @u13632

Hailing from the land of baked beans, Ryan fell in love with Japan and never looked back. Now living in Tokyo, he wants to show off Japan's lesser-known destinations, green spaces, and coffee spots 🎍☕