Midnight Toybox turns a child's bedroom into a deadly board game

Japanese entertainment company Taskey has announced Midnight Toybox, a turn-based horror board game where childhood toys have developed some rather unpleasant ideas about entertainment. A free demo is now available on Steam, with the full release expected in early December 2026.

Developed by Rabidbit Games, a new horror-game label established by Japanese entertainment company Taskey, Midnight Toybox takes place in a child's bedroom at midnight.Players find themselves surrounded by modified toys, fitted with an explosive collar, and forced into a board game where losing can cost them their head.

The rules are deceptively simple. Every piece looks identical, but some are ordinary soldiers, while others are disguised bombs. Capturing an opponent's piece might bring players closer to victory or straight into a trap.

There are three ways to win: capture three enemy soldiers, trick an opponent into capturing three bombs, or advance a soldier to the far end of the board. Strategy cards introduce additional abilities, including special movements, stealing an opponent's cards, and making captured pieces count double.
 

Midnight Toybox is the first original Steam title from Taskey's newly established gaming business. The game supports English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. The free demo is available through the official Steam page and is participating in Steam Next Fest, running from October 19 to 26.
 

Whether this combination of psychological horror and board-game strategy works remains to be seen, but it certainly gives family game night a different meaning.

Aurelian Nedelcu - Tech Writer - 13 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2026

Aurelian Nedelcu is a technology enthusiast with a background in journalism and radio. His years working aboard cruise ships took him around the world, broadening his perspective. A lifelong music lover and active DJ, he has a keen interest in consumer electronics, audio technology, and emerging trends, bringing curiosity and hands-on experience to his writing.