Experience Life Through Interactive Storytelling in 'and Roger' by Kodansha Games Lab

A New Era of Interactive Storytelling: 'and Roger'

On September 15, 2026, Kodansha's Games Lab announced that their interactive novel, "and Roger" (originally titled "ダレカレ"), was prominently featured on NHK's "Shuto-ken Network." This special segment recognized the game not only for its unique narrative structure but also for its exploration of significant social themes.

Overview of the Broadcast

The program aired on NHK General, covering the Kanto and Koshinetsu regions from 6:10 PM to 7:00 PM. The segment focused on games that provide players with experiences mimicking the lives of various individuals. Within this context, "and Roger" stood out as a thought-provoking work created by a Japanese artist. The story begins when a young girl awakens to find an unfamiliar man in her house, setting the stage for a journey through the girl's emotional landscape and her interactions with this mysterious figure. The show highlighted how the game's unique, instinctive storytelling offers players an experience beyond traditional text-based narratives.

In addition to showcasing the game’s mechanics, the broadcast included an interview with the creator, yona, who discussed her personal experiences, including the challenges of caring for family members, and the inspiration behind her desire to explore themes of support and human connection through gaming.

A Steady Rise in Recognition

Since its release, "and Roger" has garnered several prestigious awards, including the "Best in Impact" accolade at the Games for Change Awards 2026, marking a significant achievement as it became the first Japanese title to win in this category. The interactive novel also received accolades such as the Audience Award at the Game Developers Choice Awards and the Grand Prix at the Taipei Game Show Indie Game Awards, among others. These accolades reflect both its engaging gameplay and its impact on society, aligning perfectly with Kodansha's philosophy of producing content that is both entertaining and insightful.

What Sets 'and Roger' Apart?

"and Roger" invites players to delve deeply into the perspectives of its characters, revealing the nuanced "distortions" in human perception. By using simple button-press controls, users navigate the narrative, emphasizing intuitive gameplay mechanics that enhance the storytelling experience.

Awards and Nominations

The game has not only earned accolades but has also been nominated in various categories, including:

- Game Developers Conference 2026: Audience Award Winner, Social Impact Award Finalist
- BAFTA Games Awards 2026: Game Beyond Entertainment Nominee
- Games for Change Awards 2026: Nominated for Best Gameplay and Best Narrative
- Tokyo Game Show 2025: Audience Award Grand Prix Winner
- Taipei Game Show 2026: Grand Prix Winner
- The Indie Game Awards 2025: Emotional Impact Award Winner

The Intriguing Storyline

The narrative kicks off with a seemingly ordinary morning disrupted when a girl wakes to find her father missing and an unknown man in his place. Clumsy dialogue, unsettling interactions, and an enigmatic drug from the man leave her questioning reality. Players are invited to accompany this girl on her journey of discovery as they unravel the mystery behind her father's disappearance and the man's intentions.

Novel Adaptation Available

In addition to the game, a novel adaptation of "and Roger" has also been released, adding original episodes that deepen the narrative exploration of life and belief. Written by popular author Miki Shinohara, known for her series like "British Supernatural Tales," this adaptation presents an emotional journey that complements the game's themes.

Meet the Creator

Yona, an indie game developer born into a Christian pastoral family, launched her career after graduating from university and working with the game development company room6. Following her debut title "In His Time" in October 2023, she released "and Roger" in July 2025.

To learn more about Kodansha's evolving creator platform, including the Games Lab, visit the official website and follow their updates on social media platforms like X.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the engagement and impact of projects like “and Roger” highlight the potential of interactive storytelling to evoke empathy and explore social issues creatively and thoughtfully. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Kodansha Games Lab as they promote profound narratives that inspire and transform players' perspectives.

For more information on "and Roger" and to experience its gripping narrative for yourself, check out the following stores: