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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Video Game

Little Nightmares

Little Nightmares is a puzzle-platform horror video game developed by Tarsier Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment in 2017.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Little Nightmares is a puzzle-platform horror video game developed by Tarsier Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment in 2017. Players control Six, a child in a yellow raincoat, as she tries to escape The Maw, a surreal underwater vessel inhabited by grotesque creatures. The game is known for its atmospheric art style, stealth elements, and deliberately ambiguous storytelling.

Gameplay

Little Nightmares is a side-scrolling puzzle-platform game with stealth and exploration elements. Players solve environmental puzzles, avoid enemies, and use timing and observation to survive.

Story and setting

The game follows Six, a small girl in a yellow raincoat, as she attempts to escape The Maw, a nightmarish underwater vessel. The narrative is sparse and leaves many details unexplained.

Development and release

Tarsier Studios developed the game and Bandai Namco Entertainment published it. It was first released in April 2017 and later appeared on additional platforms including Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

Reception and legacy

The game became notable for its eerie atmosphere, distinctive visual style, and cult following. It also launched a broader Little Nightmares franchise.

Key facts

  • The game was originally announced under the title *Hunger* before being renamed *Little Nightmares*.
  • The player controls Six, who must escape The Maw while avoiding hostile inhabitants.
  • Its design combines stealth, exploration, and environmental puzzles.
  • The story is intentionally ambiguous and open to interpretation.
  • The game launched on PC and major consoles in 2017, with later ports to Switch, Stadia, and mobile devices.
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Canadian context

The game is available to Canadian players through major console, PC, and mobile storefronts, and it is part of a globally distributed Bandai Namco franchise with strong international recognition among horror and indie-game audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Little Nightmares about?
It follows Six, a child trying to escape The Maw, a disturbing underwater structure filled with dangerous creatures.
Who developed Little Nightmares?
Tarsier Studios developed the game, and Bandai Namco Entertainment published it.
When was Little Nightmares released?
It was first released on 27 April 2017.
What genre is Little Nightmares?
It is generally described as a puzzle-platform horror adventure game.
Who is the main character?
The main character is Six, a child wearing a yellow raincoat.

References

  1. Steam — https://store.steampowered.com/app/424840/Little_Nightmares/
    Supports: Developer, publisher, release date, and genre
  2. Bandai Namco Entertainment — https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/little-nightmares
    Supports: Official description of Six, The Maw, and game premise
  3. IGN — https://www.ign.com/games/little-nightmares
    Supports: Gameplay description, protagonist, and setting
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Nightmares_(series)
    Supports: Series context, original title Hunger, and platform history