'Dancing with Ghosts': Greg Johnson's Ghibli-Inspired Life-Sim

Greg Johnson, the creator of the iconic 1991 Sega Genesis hit ToeJam & Earl, is developing a new, deeply personal narrative adventure titled Dancing with Ghosts. Announced by his independent studio, HumaNature Studios. The game marks a significant tonal shift from his past work, drawing heavy inspiration from the emotional depth and charm of Studio Ghibli. 

The project is currently live on Kickstarter to secure funding and offers a playable demo on Steam for players to try.

Dancing with Ghosts trades the zany, off-beat mechanics of Johnson's past for a heartfelt story of healing. Described as a "life sim with cozy village rhythms", the game is set in an intimate river village in Thailand. The whimsical yet meaningful story centers on a young protagonist named Mai who befriends a ghost, navigating complex themes of grief, guilt, and the power of human connection.

Greg Johnson's Ghibli-Inspired New Game

The game is the realisation of a lifelong creative dream for Johnson, who told CBR he has "always been a big Miyazaki fan", long before Studio Ghibli became mainstream in the West. He explained that his office walls were "plastered with Ghibli posters" for decades. Johnson’s goal is to create a "warm, heartfelt, coming-of-age story that makes you feel like a better person after experiencing it", similar to the works of Hayao Miyazaki. 

The narrative also springs from a deeply personal place. Johnson revealed that the project draws from his own experiences with loss, including his daughter’s passing and the family’s devastation in the 2023 Lahaina fire. 

The game aims to be a tribute to renewal and the healing power of connection. Johnson also draws on his intimate connection to Thai culture, having become fluent in the language to be closer to his wife's family, which inspired the game's authentic Thai village setting.

While Dancing with Ghosts is his current focus, Johnson also confirmed that a new ToeJam & Earl game is officially in the planning stages. This new project will be developed by a third-party studio, with design led by Anthony "Nap" Napolitano, known for his work on ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove. 

The new entry aims to merge elements from the original 16-bit titles with creative ideas from an early, unfinished version of the series' sequel. The ToeJam & Earl universe is also set to expand beyond gaming, with a movie adaptation in the works at Amazon Studios. 

According to the announcement, a script for the film is complete, though the project is currently seeking a director. The format is still undecided, with options ranging from full animation to a live-action/CG hybrid, underscoring the enduring appeal of the cult-favourite franchise.