Key information
American developer Watashi Games has announced that a free playable demo for its upcoming cooperative simulation game Kennel Chaos: Daycare Simulator will launch on Steam on October 6. The title is also scheduled to participate in the Steam Next Fest, which runs from October 19 to 26, while the full game is slated for release on Steam in the second quarter of 2027.
Designed for one to eight players in first-person perspective, the game is based on the developer's real-life work experience at a dog kennel. Players act as daycare staff tasked with handling check-ins, following specialized care schedules, feeding, bathing, and cleaning up messes before they spread. Staff must also successfully return each dog to its correct owner at closing time, as minor mistakes can quickly snowball into chaos.
Developer James created the game as a tribute to Nova, a black brindle dog who accompanied him to work daily from 2010 until 2022 and now lives on as a resident dog in the game. The title features 21 distinct breeds with troublesome habits, mechanics that let players sabotage a rival business across the street, and a personal skill tree that transfers across different daycare facilities joined by the player.
