THE CRUNCH
Dancing with Ghosts, a life simulation game about processing grief through Thai culture, launches in Early Access for PC via Steam on October 8 for $14.99. The title, created by Greg Johnson following personal tragedy, features a 15-year-old protagonist named Mai who communicates with a ghost named Pim. Players help Mai rebuild her life in a river village by completing tasks like cooking and deliveries, all while the
game explores the Thai concept of dedicating good karma to the departed. The experience includes original music by Genevieve Goings and Conkarah, and players can inhabit villagers' bodies to hear their thoughts. A demo is currently available on Steam.
The game is a passion project for Johnson, who previously worked on ToeJam and Earl and Starflight. It was inspired by his wife's Thai heritage and the loss of his daughter in the 2023 Maui wildfires. The development team includes talent from Thailand and the diaspora.