Creator of Sega’s ToeJam & Earl Has a New Game Inspired By Studio Ghibli Classics

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Greg Johnson, a well-known game designer, is famous for creating quirky and unusual games. He’s behind classics like ToeJam & Earl and unique titles such as Doki-Doki Universe, often defying typical game categories. His newest project, Dancing with Ghosts, represents a more meaningful and personal direction for his studio, HumaNature Studios. This game moves away from the funky style he’s known for and instead tells a touching story about loss, regret, and finding comfort through relationships, drawing inspiration from the films of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

ToeJam & Earl’s Creator Has ‘Always Been a Big Miyazaki Fan’

For Johnson, his album Dancing With Ghosts isn’t just a change in musical style—it’s the fulfillment of a dream he’s had for years. He’s been a devoted fan of Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned animator, since long before Miyazaki’s work became widely popular in the West. Johnson decorated his office with Ghibli posters for decades, constantly inspired by the heartwarming and magical feeling of Miyazaki’s films. That same sense of beautiful sadness is woven throughout Dancing With Ghosts, where supernatural elements reflect real human feelings.

Similar to the most cherished films of Hayao Miyazaki, Dancing With Ghosts focuses more on relationships than on struggles. The game’s main character, Mai, doesn’t battle enemies; instead, she deals with sadness and regret, and finds happiness again through a friendship with a ghost. The developers want players to feel like they’ve had a truly meaningful experience. This approach places Dancing With Ghosts among the best indie adventures and connects it to the emotionally rich storytelling found in classic Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and When Marnie Was There.

Dancing With Ghosts Has Deeply Personal Sources of Inspiration

This game is deeply meaningful to its creator, Greg Johnson, and inspired by his personal experiences. Following the loss of his daughter and the destruction of the 2023 Lahaina fire, Johnson wanted to create something that explores both sadness and hope. Instead of focusing solely on grief, the game celebrates the power of connection, support, and finding light even in difficult times.

Johnson’s deep understanding of Thai culture, gained through learning the language to connect with his wife’s family, heavily influences the game. It’s set in a small, charming Thai river village where the player forms a friendship with a friendly ghost. The story explores themes of memory, cultural identity, feeling connected to others, and the bonds between generations. Johnson hopes to create a story where acts of kindness, positive energy, and finding beauty in daily routines all contribute to a character’s journey of healing and personal development.

Dancing With Ghosts Wants You To ‘Feel Like a Better Person’ Like Ghibli Films Do

In a gaming world full of flashy effects, Johnson’s new project stands out as something more subtle and meaningful. With beautiful visuals, calming music, and a genuine focus on emotions, Dancing With Ghosts evokes a peaceful atmosphere. Like the most memorable stories from Miyazaki, it’s a game that stays with you long after you finish playing, reminding us that true healing comes from recognizing the hidden connections around us.

While Johnson is known for games with a unique style and humor – think titles like ToeJam & Earl or the gentle storytelling of Doki Doki Universe – he’s always been driven by creating games with genuine emotional depth. He explains, “I’ve always loved the heartwarming stories of Studio Ghibli and wanted to make something similar – a coming-of-age experience that leaves you feeling good.”

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2025-10-28 04:12