The first demo for DARK MACHINE THE GAME will be playable at Tokyo Game Show 2026, giving attendees their first chance to take control of the game’s transforming mechs ahead of its planned 2027 release on PC via Steam.
Developed by DARK MACHINE PROJECT and LIONA Inc., DARK MACHINE THE GAME is a multiplayer mecha action shooter connected to the upcoming cross-media series DARK MACHINE: THE ANIMATION. The game combines large-scale robot combat, destructive battlefields, and a mechanic that lets players change mech sizes in the middle of a fight.
The demo will be available from September 17 through September 21 at Hall 5, Booth 05-C09.
Switch Mech Sizes During the Fight
At the center of the game is the Shift Up system, which allows players to transform between three mech classes depending on what the situation demands.
The small Worker is built for agility and precise gunplay. The medium-sized Ride Loader brings airborne firepower into the fight, while the larger Gigant Loader is designed for players who want to cause as much destruction as possible.
That flexibility should make every encounter feel different. A player may begin a fight in a smaller, more mobile machine before shifting into a heavier form to break through defenses or reshape the battlefield.
PvE Swarms and 7v7 Battles
DARK MACHINE THE GAME will feature both PvE and PvP action. Players can take on large groups of enemies in cooperative encounters or face other pilots in competitive matches ranging from one-on-one fights to 7v7 battles.
Customization also plays a major role. Players can mix and match weapon parts, use modules to tune their machine’s performance, and add decals and colors to give each mech its own identity.
The game takes place in “The DARK,” a dangerous interdimensional realm where players will bring their customized machines into unpredictable battles. The project also has some notable names behind it: ONE PIECE FILM RED director Gorō Taniguchi serves as creative producer for the wider project, while veteran mech illustrator Hidetaka Tenjin is the lead mechanical designer.
Tokyo Game Show attendees will also be able to catch panel discussions and exhibition matches featuring ZETA DIVISION, members of the anime voice cast, and the game’s production team.