Studio Deen's Dark Survival Thriller, 'Playing Death Games,' Confirms January 2026 Debut with New Visual and Voice Cast Reveal

The anticipation surrounding the anime adaptation of Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table (known internationally as Shibō Yūgi de Meshi o Kū) has intensified following the release of its main visual, official trailer, and a comprehensive list of newly confirmed voice actors. Set to launch its high-stakes narrative on January 7, 2026, the series is positioned as a significant title for the winter anime season. The adaptation is being handled by Studio Deen, bringing to life the darkly compelling Japanese light novel series penned by Yushi Ukai and illustrated by Nekometaru. The original light novel first debuted in November 2022 under the MF Bunko J imprint.

Plot and Setting of the Survival Thriller

At the core of this harrowing survival thriller is Yuki, a formidable and skilled seventeen-year-old girl whose existence depends entirely on a terrifying profession: competing in and surviving lethal death games purely to earn a living. The story unfolds within the sinister confines of the Ghost House, a locale where Yuki and a cohort of other young women, paradoxically clad in maid attire, must navigate a gauntlet of lethal traps and deadly competitions. These high-stakes events feature everything from precise blowguns and whirring buzz saws to strategically locked rooms and dangerous weapons, demanding not just physical prowess but brilliant tactical maneuvering for survival.

Production Team and Voice Cast Details

The production boasts an impressive creative lineup. Souta Ueno is directing the series, with Rintarou Ueda handling the crucial series composition, and Eri Osada designing the characters. The intense atmosphere is further underscored by music composed by Junichi Matsumoto, coupled with the opening theme, “Ersterbend,” performed powerfully by Lin from MADKID. The newly announced cast injects significant talent into the complex roles, featuring Chiyuki Miura as the resourceful protagonist Yuki, Rena Motomura as Aoi, and the acclaimed voice actress Inori Minase lending her voice to Kinko.

Beyond its light novel origins, the franchise has successfully crossed into manga territory. An adaptation illustrated by Banzai Kotobuki Daienkai has been serialized in Kadokawa’s seinen magazine Comp Ace since April 2023, having already compiled four volumes as of September 2025. Blending elements of suspense, strategy, and dark fantasy, Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table offers a gripping exploration of extreme survival, cementing its position as a must-watch title for the 2026 lineup.