The Apothecary Diaries Heads to PS5 as a Full-Budget Adventure in 2027
Koei Tecmo and developer Gust are creating a 3D adventure game based on the light novel series, with heroine Maomao solving mysteries through potion-brewing and investigation.
Koei Tecmo has announced a PS5 game adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries, a long-running light novel series, subtitled The False Imperial Brother. Developer Gust, known for the Atelier franchise, is handling the project as a full-budget adventure title.
The game follows Maomao, the series' protagonist and trained apothecary who solves mysteries and crimes using her knowledge of potions. Players will explore a 3D world, interrogate characters, gather materials, brew potions, present evidence, and resolve scenarios across the game's narrative.
According to producer Junzo Hosoi, director Akari Takinami, and Toho's Takayuki Onishi in an interview with Push Square at Tokyo Game Show, the project represents a significant adaptation effort. The team described The Apothecary Diaries and original Atelier fans as a natural match for the game's design.
The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother is scheduled to release in 2027. No additional platforms have been announced beyond PlayStation 5.
Sources
- Push SquareEstablished publication · recorded Sep 21, 2026Feature: 'I Was Thinking About the Possibility of Atelier Maomao': How The Apothecary Diaries Became a PS5 Game
- AUTOMATON WestEstablished publication · recorded Sep 22, 2026Upcoming The Apothecary Diaries game was literally pitched as “Atelier Maomao” to Gust, developers say
- RPG SiteEstablished publication · recorded Sep 22, 2026"We are constructing a system that has the best of both worlds for battle systems" - Gust chats with us about Atelier Karia's combat, potential plans for a third game, how 'Maomao in an Atelier game' led to The Apothecary Diaries, and more