Is MiSide a Russian Game? Unpacking the Origins of a Steam Sensation
The indie horror game MiSide has taken the gaming world by storm, captivating players with its unique blend of anime aesthetics, psychological horror, and a surprisingly heartwarming dose of humor. But with its distinctly Japanese-inspired visuals and growing global popularity, many are asking: Is MiSide a Russian game?
The answer is a resounding yes. MiSide is indeed developed by AIHASTO, a small, independent Russian studio. This fact often surprises players, given the game's anime art style, which is more commonly associated with Japanese developers. However, MiSide's origin story is a testament to the increasingly globalized nature of game development, where creative talent transcends geographical boundaries.
From Russia with Horror: AIHASTO's Indie Success Story
AIHASTO, a team reportedly comprised of just two developers, poured two and a half years of dedication into MiSide. Their hard work has clearly paid off. Since its release on December 11th, MiSide has achieved remarkable success, nearing an estimated one million copies sold. It has garnered over 50,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam (98% positive!), dominating sales charts in both the Russian and Chinese markets, and achieved a peak concurrent player count exceeding 17,000, surpassing even AAA titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Its even outdone Concord's player count on Steam and is on track to outsell Veilguard.
The game's popularity isn't limited to sales figures. Positive sentiment surrounds MiSide, with players on Steam and social media platforms like Twitter (where it even caught the attention of industry figure Mark "Grummz" Kern) praising its quality and originality. Many draw parallels to other indie successes, like Mouthwashing, which similarly captivated players with unique gameplay earlier this year.
Beyond MiSide: AIHASTO's Horror Portfolio
The Global Appeal of Anime Horror
MiSide's success has even attracted the attention of Shochiku, a venerable Japanese film company with a history dating back to the days of Akira Kurosawa. Shochiku's anime department has taken the initiative to promote MiSide in Japan, a testament to the game's quality and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
Many players, initially skeptical of whether an "anime horror" game could truly deliver after experiencing titles like Doki Doki Literature Club, have found themselves pleasantly surprised by MiSide. Its unique blend of horror, humor, and engaging gameplay has resonated with a global audience, proving that innovative game design can come from anywhere in the world.
Read: How to Collect All Mita Cartridges in MiSide: A Comprehensive Guide
The Takeaway: Talent Knows No Borders
MiSide's Russian origins, coupled with its anime aesthetics and global success, highlight the exciting reality of modern game development. Indie studios like AIHASTO are proving that geographical location is no barrier to creating compelling and successful games. MiSide stands as a testament to the power of creativity, dedication, and the global reach of the gaming community. It's a clear indication that great games can come from anywhere, and players are eager to embrace them, regardless of their origin.