The Smiling Critters take center stage in a new co-op survival horror adventure set in the Poppy Playtime universe, available to play now on PC
LOS ANGELES, October 21, 2026 – The doors of Playtime Co. are open once again, and something sinister is waiting inside. Mob Entertainment’s Escape From Playtime, a new co-op survival horror extraction game set in the Poppy Playtime universe, is available now in Steam Early Access.
The 1-8 player canonical co-op extraction game expands the Poppy Playtime universe in unexpected ways. Set after the infamous Hour of Joy but before the events of Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1, Escape From Playtime takes players back to the factory during a previously unexplored period in the franchise’s history.
For the first time, players can experience the horrors of the unforgiving Playtime Co. factory from the perspective of the Smiling Critters, the cute-yet-disturbing toy line first introduced in Poppy Playtime: Chapter 3. Whether braving the decrepit halls alone or teaming up with friends, players must scavenge resources, evade deadly enemies, and complete increasingly dangerous assignments from a mysterious Voice promising freedom and a new home. But who is the Voice, and can it be trusted?
“With Escape From Playtime, we wanted to explore a lesser-known chapter of Playtime Co.’s history and give players a completely new perspective on this world,” said Brandon James, Game Director, Mob Entertainment. “For longtime fans, there are plenty of familiar faces and lore connections to discover, but we’ve also deliberately made this an experience that newcomers can jump into and enjoy without knowing anything about Poppy Playtime. It’s a new way into the story, no matter where you’re starting from.”
For those uninitiated, Mob Entertainment has prepared a short “What You Need to Know” guide video with a brief timeline and lore overview to help new players deepen the immersive experience. Watch it here: Everything you need to know about Escape from Playtime
In Escape From Playtime, each run sends teams into a dynamically changing section of the facility to find and transport resources for a mysterious sanctuary being promised for toys who prove their loyalty and usefulness. Simple enough, except the factory is filled with rejected Playtime Co. creations stalking the halls. Players must search quickly, choose when to split up or stick together, and know when to retreat.
Along the way, players can solve puzzles, uncover clues, scavenge tools, use hiding spots and alternate routes, and turn the factory layout to their advantage. Proximity voice chat adds another risk: communication is essential, but an irresponsible whisper can bring the mission to a brutal end.
Key Features:
Critter Co-Op: Play solo or team up with up to 7 friends in a fight for survival inside Playtime Co. More Critters means more ground covered and more chances for something to go horribly wrong, all enabled with proximity voice chat.
The Voice: A mysterious Voice sends players into the facility to collect scattered parts and resources. Gather what you need, bring it back safely, and try not to ask too loudly who or what you are really working for.
Scavenge to Survive: Use whatever the factory gives you to stay alive. Search for tools, uncover clues, find hiding spots, create distractions, and use alternate routes to outmaneuver the rejected Playtime Co. creations stalking the halls.
Mini Mode: Crawl, jump, and climb through every nook and cranny of the Playtime Co. factory as a Smiling Critter and experience some of the most iconic Poppy Playtime locations through a new (smaller) set of eyes.
Familiar and New: It’s Playtime Co. as you know it, with a twist. The mysterious Voice seems to be altering the factory’s layout, creating procedurally generated environments that change with each run.
Playtime Web Portal: Track your progress and examine your hard-earned rewards through the Perm-A-Lounge computer to uncover further terrifying company secrets.
EARLY ACCESS
Escape From Playtime launches into Steam Early Access with all eight Smiling Critters available to play, including four unlocked through progression, plus expanded multiplayer support for up to eight players, thanks to community feedback during the Open Beta.
To celebrate the launch, players can also claim the Founders’ Pack free for the first 30 days, featuring exclusive alternate looks for all eight Smiling Critters and additional rewards.
Mob Entertainment plans to keep expanding Escape From Playtime through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, adding new areas, enemies, items, cosmetics, and gameplay features. The Early Access roadmap will evolve with community feedback, letting players help shape the game’s future.
AVAILABILITY
Escape From Playtime is available in Steam Early Access for $9.99 USD, with a limited-time 10% launch discount. Players who own the free-to-play Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1 will receive an additional 10% off.
About Mob Entertainment
Founded in 2015 by brothers Zach and Seth Belanger, Mob Entertainment is an independent entertainment company dedicated to creating unconventional stories and unforgettable characters. The studio created Poppy Playtime, the globally successful mascot horror franchise. Since its debut in 2021, the multi-million-unit game series has expanded across platforms, reaching fans worldwide to create a passionate, engaged community
Building on the franchise’s commercial success and the highly anticipated releases of its chapters, Mob Entertainment continues to expand the Poppy Playtime universe through new games, original content, publishing, consumer products, and live experiences. Their dedicated team continually pushes the boundaries of entertainment, delivering top-tier content that entertains and challenges the status quo in an ever-evolving industry. For more information, visit www.mobentertainment.com.
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