Indie studio ArtDock is heading to Tokyo Game Show 2025 (TGS 2025) to showcase its upcoming title, Pao Pao, a cozy-yet-chaotic co-op restaurant simulator where adorable animals take charge of the kitchen.
Playable at booth 07-N06, Pao Pao invites players to step into a vibrant semi-open city filled with heart, humor, and plenty of surprises. Attendees can meet the dev team, try the latest demo, and experience firsthand why this indie gem is quickly becoming one to watch.
A Restaurant Simulator with a Twist
At its core, Pao Pao is about running your own restaurant alongside a team of furry chefs, but it goes far beyond traditional management sims. Players can cook, serve, and manage their establishments while exploring branching storylines, quirky NPCs, and unexpected activities that keep the experience fresh.
“We didn’t build Pao Pao as game devs. We built it as players, for players,” says the ArtDock team. “It’s not about pushing people through another challenge. We just wanted to give everyone the freedom to play how they want, enjoy the variety, and feel something real along the way.”
Key Features
- Run Your Own Restaurant – Cook, serve, and manage with your adorable animal staff.
- Explore a Semi-Open World – Meet colorful NPCs and unlock opportunities.
- Solo or Co-Op Play – Chaotic fun for 1–4 players.
- Dynamic Day-Night Cycle – Manage your restaurant by day, explore and upgrade by night.
- Mini-Games & Quests – Go fishing, farming, or stumble upon random surprises.
- Customization – Style your animal chef and enhance your restaurant.
- Dynamic Challenges – Special events and unpredictable twists keep gameplay lively.
From Steam Demo to Full Release
A playable demo of Pao Pao launched on Steam in February 2025, and has been updated regularly based on player feedback. With development in full swing, the game is targeting a release window between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026.
Fans attending TGS 2025 will be able to dive into the latest build, while those at home can check out the ongoing updates on the Pao Pao Steam page.
Where to Play Pao Pao at TGS 2025
- Event: Tokyo Game Show 2025
- Dates: September 25–28, 2025
- Booth Location: 07-N06, Makuhari Messe
- Playable Demo: Latest build of Pao Pao
Whether you’re a fan of cozy sims, chaotic co-op games, or simply love adorable animal protagonists, Pao Pao promises to serve up something truly special.
