The FMV game where you’re a hamster being doted on by three Japanese sisters was inspired by its creator’s job as an animal mascot, and Grand Theft Auto 5
Sweet Hamster Days is a newly approved full-motion video game where the player is reincarnated as a hamster named Hamta and is continuously cared for by three sisters who gaze into the camera while petting the player character. The game was initially rejected from Steam apparently due to concerns over sexually explicit imagery of real people, but was eventually approved after the developer revised the age rating and other details.
The unusual concept originated from two distinct sources: creator Katayama's experience wearing mascot costumes at a part-time job, where he observed that people naturally became friendlier when interacting with someone in costume, and his admiration for Grand Theft Auto 5's character-switching mechanic. Designer Oda described the game as a 'completely unprecedented genre' and 'being-taken-care-of adventure game.'
In short
- FMV game where player is a hamster cared for by three sisters approved after initial Steam rejection over adult content
- Creator Katayama inspired by experience wearing mascot costumes and Grand Theft Auto 5's character-switching mechanic
- Described as unprecedented 'being-taken-care-of adventure game'
Explained simply
Sweet Hamster Days is a full-motion video game with a premise unlike most others: you play as a hamster and are continuously cared for by three sisters who interact directly with the camera. Rather than traditional gameplay objectives or challenges, the experience centres on being looked after and petted by the characters.
The game's creator, Katayama, drew inspiration from two unlikely sources. He previously worked as a mascot performer and observed how people's behaviour became warmer when interacting with costumed characters. He also admired the character-switching system in Grand Theft Auto 5, which influenced his design approach.
Designer Oda describes the game as a completely new genre of interactive entertainment. This 'being-taken-care-of adventure game' prioritises comfort and care-giving rather than competition or traditional game mechanics, representing an experimental approach to what gaming can be.