Earth's Last Frontier is Calling: 'Nova Antarctica' Launches January 29, 2026
RexLabo's Narrative-Driven Survival Adventure Heads to Steam
Tokyo, Japan, 8 January 2026 - In 2900, the world has finally run out of second chances. Antarctica - once the planet's final untouched frontier - cradles a ravaged Earth, beset by viruses, food shortages, extreme weather, and ceaseless conflicts. But, in the midst of this desolation, a mysterious signal sparks from the South Pole. A beacon of hope, perhaps? Or something far more sinister?
Today, PARCO GAMES is proud to announce that RexLabo's atmospheric sci-fi exploration narrative, Nova Antarctica, will launch globally on January 29, 2026, for PC via Steam.
Nova Antarctica tells the story of a lone child drawn south by said signal, searching both for its source and for meaning, for connection in a place where the Earth itself seems to remember everything we've done to it. Combining survival mechanics, crafting, exploration, and the ability to befriend wildlife companions, the game challenges players to endure the world's most unforgiving landscape whilst uncovering the secrets hidden beneath the ice.
This is, however, firmly unfamiliar territory. This is the Antarctica of the far future; reshaped by climate collapse, reclaimed by strange new ecosystems, haunted by memory, and alive with echoes from beneath the ice. This is the place where the future of both the Earth and the human race will be decided, with you at the helm.
"Nova Antarctica began as a question: what happens to humanity when the world goes quiet? Launching the game now feels like opening a window into a possible future - one shaped by our mistakes, our resilience, and our imagination," says RexLabo Game Director and Creator, m.Hayashi. "This game is an invitation. Antarctica has always fascinated me, and imagining its far future opened creative doors we just never expected. Now it belongs to the players - I hope they discover stories that feel personal, fragile, and unforgettable."
Key Features:
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Explore a far-future reimagining of Antarctica - a living, dynamic ecosystem shaped by centuries of change.
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Discover wildlife shaped by a world altered beyond recognition.
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Survive harsh conditions using tools, intuition, and fragile technology salvaged from the remnants of human civilization.
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Uncover a branching narrative shaped by your decisions, your relationships to the continent's mysteries, and the stories you leave behind.
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Experience an atmospheric, meditative tone unlike most sci-fi adventures - intimate, human, and quietly haunting.
Nova Antarctica is one of three debut releases from PARCO GAMES, alongside the equally compelling Constance and The Berlin Apartment.
Founded in 1969, PARCO focused on creating cultural experiences and serving as an artistic catalyst, blending fashion, art, and retail to offer forward-looking experiences through its shopping malls, galleries, and cafés. With the launch of PARCO GAMES, the company is extending that legacy into an excitingly fresh field, championing titles that combine artistry, culture, and innovation.
"PARCO has grown together with culture and art in Japan," offers Yuichi Nishizawa, General Manager at PARCO GAMES. "With PARCO GAMES, we're bringing that same spirit into the world of interactive entertainment. Nova Antarctica is one of our first published titles, and we're proud to support a game that approaches science fiction with such imagination and emotional depth."
To coincide with launch, Nova Antarctica will also be featured at Taipei Game Show at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center between 29th January 2026 and 1st February 2026 where RexLabo and PARCO GAMES will be showcasing the game on the show floor. Attendees will be able to experience the game firsthand at the booth, marking the title's first major public showing post-launch.
Nova Antarctica will launch on Steam for $24.99/€24.50/£20.99 on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, price subject to change.
About RexLabo
RexLabo is an independent studio creating story-driven games designed to move players emotionally. By combining automation with Unity in a hybrid approach, the team delivers high-quality experiences quickly, even at a small scale. From Tokyo to the world, RexLabo crafts memorable games where story and system work hand in hand to create compelling experiences.
About PARCO GAMES
PARCO GAMES is a new Japanese indie games label from PARCO, a long-standing cultural pioneer celebrated for blending fashion, art, retail, and creative experiences through its iconic shopping centres and diverse initiatives. Building on this legacy, PARCO GAMES puts creators first, providing a platform for unique voices and imaginative visions. The label champions games with bold ideas, striking art styles, and innovative storytelling, continuing PARCO's tradition of shaping culture in fresh and unexpected ways.
