Tarsier Studios moved on from Little Nightmares to explore new ideas and build an identity beyond that franchise. The studio’s co-founder and producer, Andreas Johnsson, described looking for new creative paths after Tarsier parted ways with Bandai Namco and the series. The available statements do not establish a single exclusive cause, such as a dispute or a forced exit.
What Tarsier said about leaving Little Nightmares
Tarsier developed the first two Little Nightmares games. In a GamesRadar+ interview, co-founder and producer Andreas Johnsson said the team explored different paths and ideas after parting ways with Bandai Namco and the franchise. He wanted audiences to look forward to the next Tarsier game as its own work, not simply as the next installment in an existing series.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
REANIMAL: Deluxe Edition - PlayStation 5 (Amazon Exclusive) | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
REANIMAL Deluxe Edition - Xbox Series X | $54.86 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That points to a creative-direction choice: Tarsier wanted room to pursue a new property and establish what a Tarsier game could be beyond Little Nightmares. The statements do not confirm that a conflict, ownership dispute, or outside pressure drove the decision.
What Tarsier wanted to change with REANIMAL
Tarsier’s new game gave the studio a chance to move away from some of the tone and presentation associated with Little Nightmares. Narrative director Dave Mervik put the contrast plainly: “We don’t give people the safety net of the charm of Little Nightmares.”
#1 Best Overall
- The REANIMAL Deluxe Edition includes the Pre-Order DLC, the first DLC as well as the Season Pass!
- The original creators of Little Nightmares & Little Nightmares II have returned to take you on a more terrifying journey than ever before
- In this unsettling tale, the emphasis is on tension and thick atmosphere, as you join the two orphans on a desperate search for hope and redemption in the direst of circumstances
- Traverse an intriguing but terrifying world, where the main path is only one part of the fragmented story. Discover all sorts of mysterious locations on your perilous journey, each with its own story to tell
- Nobody should be forced to go through hell alone! Fully playable in single player and local & online co-op, REANIMAL has a shared, directed camera, designed to maximise claustrophobia and tension
Johnsson and Mervik characterized REANIMAL as darker and grittier, with less fairytale framing. That is a difference in creative direction, not evidence that the two games are connected stories.
Is REANIMAL Little Nightmares 3?
No. REANIMAL is a separate game and is not an official Little Nightmares sequel. The franchise continued after Tarsier moved on: contemporary coverage identifies Supermassive Games with Little Nightmares III. Embracer Group’s 2019 acquisition announcement says Tarsier developed the Little Nightmares IP from scratch, but that fact alone does not show that the acquisition caused the studio’s later creative decision.
What REANIMAL is and where to play it
As of October 8, 2026, the publisher lists REANIMAL as released on February 13, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The official site describes a brother and sister searching for missing friends and trying to escape an island. It says the game can be played solo or in local and online co-op.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- The REANIMAL Deluxe Edition includes the Pre-Order DLC as well as the Season Pass!
- The original creators of Little Nightmares & Little Nightmares II have returned to take you on a more terrifying journey than ever before
- In this unsettling tale, the emphasis is on tension and thick atmosphere, as you join the two orphans on a desperate search for hope and redemption in the direst of circumstances
- Traverse an intriguing but terrifying world, where the main path is only one part of the fragmented story. Discover all sorts of mysterious locations on your perilous journey, each with its own story to tell
- Nobody should be forced to go through hell alone! Fully playable in single player and local & online co-op, REANIMAL has a shared, directed camera, designed to maximise claustrophobia and tension
The official site lists standard, deluxe, and collector’s editions. It also credits Christian Vasselbring for the game’s 33 original tracks.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How REANIMAL compares with Little Nightmares
| Question | Little Nightmares | REANIMAL |
|---|---|---|
| Studio and franchise status | Tarsier developed the first two games; the franchise continued with another developer. | Tarsier’s separate new property, not an official sequel. |
| Creative direction | Associated by Tarsier’s narrative director with a degree of charm and fairytale framing. | Tarsier described it as darker and grittier, without the same “safety net” of charm. |
| Premise and play options | Not stated in the cited official REANIMAL sources. | A brother and sister search for missing friends and try to escape an island; playable solo or in local and online co-op. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tarsier Studios leave Little Nightmares?
Tarsier’s Andreas Johnsson described exploring new creative paths and wanting the studio’s next game to stand on its own. The available statements do not establish one exclusive cause.
Is REANIMAL a sequel to Little Nightmares?
No. It is a separate Tarsier game; the Little Nightmares franchise continued with another developer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
