Robot Hospice supports multiple languages, including Japanese, English, and both Traditional and Simplified Chinese, making it accessible to players worldwide.
The indie game circle Buttercup garden has released a Steam demo of their upcoming title, “Robot Hospice”, on October 4, 2025.
The game will also be featured in the Steam Next Fest 2025 October Edition.
We have previously introduced Robot Hospice on our site.
It is a story where the bittersweet act of bidding farewell to robots quietly intertwines with a gentle sense of kindness.
Now, with the demo finally in our hands, we can step into that world ourselves.
In this article, we share not only the latest updates but also the warmth and impressions we felt while playing.
Writer: Nerikeshi (NostalPix Editorial Team)
“Robot Hospice” – An End-of-Life Story Told Through Gentle Pixel Art
Story
In the not-so-distant future,
robots and artificial intelligence have become more advanced and more familiar in everyday life.
Just as people say, “pets are family,” robots, too, have come to be seen as family members.
Yet robots live far longer than humans, and eventually, they must face the day when they part from their loved ones.
When that time comes, they are entrusted to a place that will care for them with kindness—
a place known as the Robot Hospice.
Robot Hospice is a place where robots who once lived alongside humans spend the final days of their lives.
Into this sanctuary for their last moments comes a new staff member.
Her name is Midori.
As the player, you take on her role—building bonds with the robots, sharing their days, and ultimately witnessing their final farewells.
There are five robots you can connect with.
From a familiar cleaning robot, to a dog-like companion, to humanoid figures—each spends their days peacefully within the hospice.
They are not mere machines.
Like humans, they carry with them memories of the past and cherished bonds, as well as unspoken wishes.
As Midori (the player), you will spend time with them, build trust, and ensure that their final moments are lived in peace.
A world painted in pixel art—nostalgic and endearing.
The world of Robot Hospice is brought to life in pixel art that carries a gentle sense of nostalgia.
Its soft colors and warm style offer comfort not only to the robots within the story, but to the player as well.
The soundtrack embraces the charm of 8-bit music reminiscent of the Famicom era.
Simple yet varied “piko-piko” tunes stir up memories long tucked away in your heart.
It is the kind of game that makes you want to play quietly on a cool evening, alone—wrapped in its calming atmosphere.
“Robot Hospice” Demo Now Available – Play for Free on Steam
A demo version of the game is now available.
It allows you to experience the opening and spend several in-game days, with each playthrough lasting around ten minutes.
Despite its short length, the demo is rich in content, encouraging replay and offering a deeper glimpse into its world.
What’s more, it includes two unique endings that can only be seen in the demo version.
Demo Impressions
The first thing that struck me was the sound.
As soon as I began playing, the music flowed gently into my ears—slightly fragile, yet filled with warmth.
Within Midori’s room, you can even choose different tracks, allowing you to enjoy a surprising variety of BGM even in the demo.
What came to mind for me was the classic MOTHER.
That faintly ephemeral sound immediately evoked memories of the beloved series.
8-bit music has a kind of magic—it touches hidden memories and awakens a sense of nostalgia within us.
The graphics are equally worth noting.
Rendered in warm, colorful pixel art, the visuals bring a soothing calm to the player’s heart.
From Midori, the protagonist, to the many robots and characters, each is depicted with endearing charm.
And once you see them moving on screen, that sense of affection only grows deeper.
In the demo, I was able to spend several in-game days within the hospice.
How you choose to spend that time—and which robots you decide to talk with—is entirely up to the player.
I tried to connect with as many of them as possible, and what struck me most was this: there simply wasn’t enough time!
Each robot had something intriguing to say, hinting at past experiences or hidden memories. It left me eager to know more, and above all, with the strong desire to play the full release as soon as possible.
Little by little, you come to understand them, building bonds day by day—until the question arises: what kind of final moments can you give them? The thought of continuing that journey fills me with anticipation.
The demo also includes endings, and to my surprise, there were hints of something mysterious woven into them.
It seems this story holds more than just kindness—it carries elements that quietly capture your curiosity.
Confirmed: “Robot Hospice” to Join Steam Next Fest 2025 October Edition!
The game is scheduled to appear at the Steam Next Fest 2025 October Edition, taking place from October 13 to 20, 2025.
What memories will those few days in the Robot Hospice leave with the players?
Quietly, yet unmistakably, it seems set to draw attention.
About This Game
- Title: Robot Hospice
- Genre: End-of-Life Adventure
- Platform: PC (Download / Browser)
- Price: Free (Indie Game)
- Planned Release: 2026
- Publisher: Buttercup garden
- Supported Languages: Japanese・English・Chinese (Traditional)・Chinese (Simplified)
- Steam Store Page: Robot Hospice
- Demo Store Page: Robot Hospice Demo
- Trailer: Watch on YouTube
- Developer: Buttercup garden
- Developer SNS (X): dokokasiradoko (@dokokasiradoko)
© Buttercup garden
Source: Press Release / Steam Store Page
Writer / Nerikeshi
Over 20 years of experience playing pixel-art (dot art) games.
Studied video production and promotion under a VTuber for two years.
Recently discovered the charm of indie games—and has been happily lost in that world ever since.
nerikeshi