Greg Johnson, legendary game developer behind the classic Sega Genesis series ToeJam and Earl has been busy lately. He and his team at HumaNature Studios have revealed the Oct. 8, 2026 early access release date for their upcoming game Dancing with Ghosts and GamesBeat has the latest!
Dancing with Ghosts, the life-sim about finding joy from grief, created by experienced game developer Greg Johnson’s HumaNature Studios, enters Steam Early Access on PC on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Dancing with Ghosts is a passion project for Johnson, whose work includes lead design on the ToeJam and Earl franchise, the Starflight series, and Doki-Doki Universe. The game was born in the wake of the tragic passing of Greg’s 28-year-old daughter and his family’s devastating loss in the 2023 Maui wildfires.
Dancing with Ghosts is a story that focuses on a 15-year-old girl named Mai who has lost her parents in a terrible accident. The loss takes over in her life and this girl who was once full of life, is now sad and withdrawn. Until she encounters a ghost named Pim who remembers almost nothing about her life but remains as joyful as any living thing could possibly be. Together, they help each other Mai with Pim’s memories and Pim with Mai’s grief and ability to find joy in the life she has in front of her.
Help Mai and Pim make something positive out of their unfortunate situations by helping others, inspired by the Thai concept of utit suan boon kusohn, dedicating good karma to ease the way for those who have passed. Play mini-games like making deliveries by boat and scooter and cooking up delicious Thai food to help villagers with their daily tasks and earn Karma for Pim. Groove to original music performed by Genevieve Goings (Disney’s Choo Choo Soul) and internationally renowned reggae artist Conkarah as Mai learns the dance moves from her late mother, and sketches in her journal to process her raw emotions.
Dancing with Ghosts will enter early access on PC Via Steam on October 8, 2026.
