Located in the bustling Shinjuku district of Tokyo, RexLabo has emerged as a standout developer in the Japanese indie scene since its founding in 2022. Driven by a singular passion for creating emotionally resonant, story-driven games, this small but ambitious team is currently the talk of the industry as they prepare for the global launch of “Nova Antarctica” on January 29, 2026.
The Catalyst: Japan’s First Indie Incubator
The ascent of RexLabo began in 2021 when they were selected for the first-ever iGi (Indie Game Incubator) program. Launched by Marvelous in collaboration with Barcelona’s GameBCN, iGi was designed to professionalize Japanese indie developers.
Out of many applicants, RexLabo was one of only five teams chosen. Over six months, the team received over 400 hours of intensive mentoring from industry giants, including the developers of Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin. This period was crucial, providing them with expertise in not just game development, but also multi-language support, legal contracting, and global PR strategies.
At that time, their project was titled “Antarctic Base.” It was a survival-adventure where a lone child navigated 12 maps to reach the South Pole. This project culminated in a high-stakes online “Demo Day” in November 2021, where the team pitched their vision in English to global investors and publishers—a turning point that put RexLabo on the world map.
A Journey of Partnerships: From Marvelous to PARCO
The momentum from the iGi program led to a publishing deal with Marvelous Europe in 2022. The title was officially rebranded as Nova Antarctica, with a vision to deliver a high-quality narrative experience.
However, the team’s journey took an even more creative turn in September 2025. RexLabo signed a new publishing partnership with PARCO GAMES, the newly launched gaming label from the Japanese cultural giant, Parco. Known since 1969 for its influence on fashion, art, and retail, Parco’s entry into gaming signifies a shift toward “culture-first” titles.
“Nova Antarctica reflects our values—blending striking artistry with an emotionally resonant story of survival and hope.” — Yuichi Nishizawa, General Manager of PARCO GAMES
Following this partnership, the game was showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2025, where the updated demo received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric depth and innovative mechanics.
Philosophy: Hybrid Development and “Silent” Narrative
RexLabo operates on a unique “Hybrid Development” philosophy. Despite being a small team, they combine the flexibility of Unity with high levels of automation to deliver polished, high-fidelity experiences at a rapid pace.
The game itself, Nova Antarctica, is a “silent” experience. Set in the year 2900 after a global collapse, it follows a child drawn to the South Pole by a mysterious signal.
- The “Shipwreck” Ecosystem: One of the most unique elements is the animal companion system. Players can befriend penguins, wolves, and even tigers—descendants of animals from a shipwrecked colonial fleet that adapted to the ice.
- Tech-Savvy Survival: Unlike traditional survival games, players utilize a portable 3D printer to scan and create necessary tools on the fly.
- High Stakes: With temperatures reaching -80°C and lethal radioactive rain, the game is a constant test of stamina and resource management.
Beyond the South Pole: What’s Next for RexLabo?
Even as the studio prepares for its biggest launch yet, it is already looking toward the future. At INDIE Live Expo 2025, RexLabo and PARCO GAMES surprised the audience by unveiling a teaser for an unannounced 2026 project. This confirms that the studio’s creative pipeline is evolving alongside its growing reputation.
RexLabo is set to release Nova Atlantica on January 28, 2026. It remains to be seen how this survival adventure set in the frozen wastes of Antarctica will fare, but one thing is certain: this team, which started in a small office in Tokyo, is taking significant steps toward becoming a key success story that exemplifies the future of Japanese indie games.
| division | Key Contents |
| Studio name | RexLabo LLC |
| Representative and Developer | Masamichi Hayashi (m.Hayashi) – Director and Creator |
| Date of establishment | March 29, 2022 |
| Key milestones | • June 2020: Project unveiled at INDIE Live Expo • June 2021: Selected for the first batch of Japan’s iGi (Indie Game Incubator) • March 2022: Official incorporation • August 2022: Steam store page opens • August 2025: Publisher changed (PARCO GAMES) |
| Representative works | Nova Antarctica (scheduled for release on January 29, 2026) |
| Official website | rexlabo.com |
| Steam Store Page | Nova Antarctica Steam Page |
| Official Trailer | YouTube gameplay trailer |
| SNS channels | X (Twitter) / Instagram |
