The domestic indie game scene is witnessing a historic moment as ‘INARI,’ a high-speed action platformer developed by 1HP STUDIO, takes the global crowdfunding platform Kickstarter by storm. The project is not only smashing its financial targets but also demonstrating the rising global influence of K-indie games.

A 17-Minute Success: Explosive Global Interest
Launched on January 13, 2026, the Kickstarter campaign for INARI reached its initial funding goal of $10,000 in just 17 minutes. The development team expressed their disbelief and gratitude, stating, “Witnessing such an overwhelming response from the community in real-time was a truly surreal experience for the entire team.”
As of the morning of January 19 (KST), the campaign has shown no signs of slowing down. With 1,342 backers already on board, the project has raised approximately $63,627, surpassing 630% of its original goal. The campaign is scheduled to remain active until February 12.
Funding Momentum and Stretch Goals
The project is maintaining an impressive daily funding average of over $12,000. This level of engagement far exceeds the average success rate for game projects on Kickstarter, which typically hovers around 35.83%.
With the primary goal easily cleared, 1HP STUDIO has unveiled an ambitious list of Stretch Goals to enrich the game further:
- Localization: Support for additional global languages.
- Content: Hidden stages, new bosses, and entirely new regions.
- Narrative: Multiple endings and a high-quality opening animation.
- Extras: A dedicated Speedrun mode and future DLC expansions.
Game Overview: High-Speed Combat Meets Eastern Fantasy
INARI is a 2D action platformer set in a rich Eastern fantasy world. Players step into the role of Izna the Reaper, an executioner sent by the High Realm to hunt down the ‘Seven Daughters’—seven princesses who have rebelled against the divine order.
Core Mechanics & Inspiration
The game’s identity is defined by its Kunai/Shuriken-based teleportation. Players throw a kunai and can instantly teleport to its location, allowing for breathless repositioning and devastating chain attacks. The developers cite classic titles such as Katana ZERO, Nine Sols, Celeste, and Ghostrunner as their primary inspirations.
Play the Demo Now
A playable demo is currently available for free on Steam, giving players a hands-on look at the lightning-fast combat before the campaign concludes on February 12. While the final release date is yet to be announced, 1HP STUDIO is prioritizing a PC (Steam) launch with full Korean and English language support confirmed.
| division | Main contents |
| Studio name | 1HP STUDIO |
| Representative and Director | Lee Jung-hoon (JUNG HOON LEE) |
| Year of establishment | January 2025 |
| scale | 6 people (as of 2025) |
| Key milestones | • 2025: Busan Indie Connect Festival (BIC) Exhibition • 2025: Winner of the Grand Prize in the General Production Category of the Global Indie Game Development Competition (GIGDC) |
| Kickstarter funding page | [INARI] KICKSTARTER |
| Official Trailer | [INARI] Official Gameplay Trailer |
| Steam Store Page | [INARI] – Steam Store |
