- A tribute to a beloved dog who passed away, a walking adventure conveyed through facial expressions and gestures without dialogue
- A work by Japanese solo developer Shinnosuke Kumazawa, winner of the BitSummit Punch Visual Award and Kids Selection Award.
- 33 Cumulative Demo Reviews, 100% Positive… A Cozy World Created with Hand-Drawn Ballpoint Pen Art Catches Attention
Publisher PARCO GAMES and developer lidlocks will officially release the healing interactive adventure ‘Finding Polka’ on PC Steam on August 12.
“Finding Polka,” created by Japanese solo developer Shinnosuke Kumazawa, is the story of the protagonist Frendi, who lives a peaceful daily life with his dachshund, Jazz.
One day, Frendi discovers a puppy in front of a flower shop that looks exactly like Polka, the pet dog Jazz lived with during her childhood. Following the familiar dog, Frendi and Jazz embark on an unexpected journey of hide-and-seek armed only with a single map and the goal of “finding Polka.”
In games, there exists a value more important than the speed competition toward the destination. This is because the small, affectionate connection that blossoms in that moment of pause—encountering a stranger encountered while lost and wandering—forms the core of the essential journey.
A story conveyed solely through facial expressions and gestures, without dialogue
‘Finding Polka’ is a game that explores a vast world stretching from bustling villages to tranquil forests and sparkling seas. As players walk along the path, they discover hidden secrets and meet unique residents, such as giraffes and cats, becoming friends with them while exchanging help.
Memorable characters, such as an endlessly patient giraffe and an always-hungry cat, appear throughout the game, turning even minor detours into small adventures. Notably, this game features no dialogue. Its most distinctive feature is that it conveys emotions and stories solely through expressive animations, lovely sound effects, and character gestures.
A world of hand-drawn illustrations created with a ballpoint pen, a cozy atmosphere evoking nostalgia.
When you start the game, the charming hand-drawn art style, looking as if it were drawn by pressing firmly with a ballpoint pen, immediately catches your eye. The visuals, completed with rough yet warm lines rather than precision, harmonize with the worldview that captures ‘quiet magic in everyday life,’ evoking a wistful sense of nostalgia in the viewer.
Humorous direction, small surprises, and soundscapes filled with laughter and friendship also complete the game’s atmosphere. A key feature of this game is its gentle story, which conveys the characters’ emotions and relationships without a single word being spoken.
A Developer’s Tribute to a Beloved Dog Who Passed Away
Shinnosuke Kumazawa, CEO of lidlocks, a developer that aims for “content that keeps you glued to the screen,” introduced “Finding Polka” as a work dedicated to his beloved dog who passed away. Indeed, the memories and deep affection the developer has long cherished for his dog are reflected throughout the journey of tracking Polka’s footprints within the game.
PARCO GAMES, the publisher of the title, is carrying out integrated online and offline promotions and media mixes encompassing development, marketing, and secondary development. With the goal of creating a new game culture while respecting the individuality of creators, PARCO GAMES introduces ‘Finding Polka’ as its fourth publishing lineup, following ‘The Berlin Apartment’, ‘Constance’, and ‘Nova Antartica’.
100% Positive Demo Reviews, BitSummit Punch Double Winner
‘Finding Polka’ achieved success at various events even before its release. The demo, unveiled last April, was first showcased at Tokyo Indie Game Summit 2026 and subsequently won both the Visual Excellence Award and the Kids Selection Award at BitSummit PUNCH.
The Steam demo currently boasts a 100% positive rating from 33 reviews. Overseas gaming media outlets such as Gematsu, Niche Gamer, and MonsterVine have also shown interest by introducing the title.
Overseas media outlets noted ‘Finding Polka’s’ ballpoint pen art style, dialogue-free emotional expression, and cozy composition that allows players to explore the world as if taking a stroll. Along with the news of the demo release, Gematsu, Niche Gamer, and MonsterVine highlighted its unique visuals, distinctive characters, and the way it tells a story through gestures and sound effects as key features.
The journey of ‘Finding Polka,’ which begins with a simple walk, is also a heartfelt letter from the developer to his beloved dog who passed away. Attention is focused on what kind of touching lingering impression this small adventure, which conveys deep emotions without dialogue, will leave upon its official release on August 12.
Information regarding ‘Finding Polka’
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | lidlocks (Shinnosuke Kumazawa, solo developer) |
| Publisher | PARCO GAMES |
| Genre | Walking Simulator / Adventure |
| Release platform | PC (Steam) |
| Official release date | August 12, 2026 |
| Player count | Single player |
| Art style | ballpoint pen hand drawing |
| Awards | BitSummit PUNCH Visual Excellence Award, Kids Selection Award |
| Steam Review (Demo) | Positive (100%, 33 cases) |
| Official Channel | X, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, RedNote |
| Steam Page | Shortcut |
| Demo Page | Shortcut |
