And we're here for it!
InKonbini gameplay was today showcased by ID@Xbox participant, developer Nagai Industries, and shows off a small, rural slice of life in a convienience store set in 1990’s Japan.
“InKonbini is an accessible, choice-driven shop assistant simulator that makes you explore and appreciate wonders of a day-to-day life in a 1990s small-town Japanese convenience store,” Nagai Industries said of its debut work. “[It] offers a meditative, slice-of-life experience and lets you discover the secrets of Japanese customer service through meaningful conversations with a variety of the store’s regulars.”
With gameplay that reminded me quite a bit of Lake, all of InKonbini takes place in a small convienience store and tasks the player with management of both the store itself and its patrons. We’ll fill the shoes of Makoto Hayakawa, a student who works at the store — called a kombini in Japanese — in an effort to help out her aunt.
The relaxing romp is intentional, meant to mirror the Japanese concept of ichi-go ichi-e, which reflects upon the transient nature of life and hidden meanings and importance that can be found within the moment.
“Playing through the game, you will get to know human side of your customers, hear stories they have to tell, learn their secrets, and find a way to help them deal with problems they face in their lives,” said Nagai Industries’ Dima Shen.
“Every customer is a riddle,” Nagai’s press release continued. “Every single conversation may contain a hint to what this character is looking for. There are many optional dialogues in the game that will allow you to know the characters better.
On the store management front, players will be able to meticulously tend to the store, stocking shelves as they see fit, rearranging stock to their liking — either with labels facing to the front or, much to the dismay of clientle, to the back — and more.
Players will also be rewarded for discovery, with new plot elements and storylines unlocking as they do so. All up, it sounds like a fun little romp.
InKonbini is expected in the first quarter of 2025 on Windows PC, Mac, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4, and PS5. We’ll keep you informed as we learn more.
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