by The synopsis and preview images for Episode 3 of the Winter 2026 anime Eat a Game of Death have officially been released. Episode 3, titled “In the Name of —”, is scheduled to air on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, and raises the tension as protagonist Yuuki (Ojo) and his companions encounter a new and deadly threat.
Known for blending death games, psychological tension, cosplay aesthetics, and moral dilemmas, Eat a Game of Death continues to attract attention as one of the most intense survival anime of the winter season.
About Eat a Game of Death
Eat a Game of Death is based on the light novel by Ukai Yutaka, published under MF Bunko J (KADOKAWA). The series follows a brutal world where players participate in life-or-death games, risking everything for survival and rewards.
The protagonist, operating under the player name Yuuki, is a professional participant in these deadly games. Although he is highly cautious and skilled, the series makes it clear that even the best players can die instantly due to a single mistake or betrayal.
The original novel received high praise, including:
- Excellence Award at the 18th MF Bunko J Light Novel Newcomer Awards
- 1st place in This Light Novel Is Amazing! 2024 (New Title Category)
These accolades helped propel the story into a TV anime adaptation.
Episode 3 Story Preview: “In the Name of —”
Episode 3 Synopsis
After Mishiro is injured and forced to stop speaking mid-sentence, Yuuki chooses to act alone and rushes out to rescue her—despite the overwhelming danger. His behavior raises suspicion among the others, as it seems irrational for someone focused purely on survival.
When questioned, Yuuki gives a short and cryptic explanation:
“Maybe they’re just trying to earn points.”
His words only deepen the mystery surrounding his true intentions.
Meanwhile, Mishiro and the remaining players, who have split up, begin to sense a new threat lurking inside an abandoned building. As tension escalates, they realize they are not alone—and that the death game has entered a more dangerous phase.
- Stage: Scrap Building
- Threat Level: Increasing
- Key Theme: Motivation beyond survival
Episode 3 pushes the story forward by questioning whether Yuuki is acting out of strategy, guilt, or something deeper.
Why Episode 3 Is a Turning Point
This episode marks a shift in the series:
- Yuuki begins to separate himself from the group
- The motives behind point accumulation are questioned
- The game environment grows darker and more unpredictable
- Psychological tension increases among the survivors
Rather than focusing only on escape, Episode 3 explores why people choose to risk their lives, even when survival alone should be enough.
Characters and Voice Cast
The anime features a strong voice cast portraying players trapped in the deadly “Ghost House” escape game:
- Yuuki (Ojo) – Chiyuki Miura
- Aoi – Reina Motomura
- Kaneko – Inori Minase
- Kokuto – Haruka Sato
- Kureno – Mutsumi Tamura
- Momono – Rina Kawaguchi
Each character represents a different mindset toward survival, making their interactions tense and unpredictable.
Staff and Production Team
- Original Work: Ukai Yutaka
(MF Bunko J: “Earn a Living by Game of Death”) - Original Character Design: Nekometal
- Director: Sota Ueno
- Series Composition: Rintaro Ikeda
- Character Design: Eri Nagata
- Concept Art: hewa
- Music: Junichi Matsumoto
- Animation Production: Studio DEEN
Studio DEEN brings its experience with suspense-driven and character-focused storytelling to the adaptation.
Broadcast Information
Episode 1 (60-minute Special)
- TOKYO MX: January 7, 2026 (Wed) 23:00–24:00
- BS Nippon TV: January 13 (Tue) 24:00–25:00
- ABC TV: January 7 (Wed) 26:45–27:45
- WOWOW: January 13 (Tue) 25:00–26:00
- AT-X: January 8 (Thu) 22:00–23:00
- Repeat: Jan 12 (Mon) / Jan 21 (Wed)
Episode 2 Onward
- TOKYO MX: Every Wednesday from 23:30
- BS Nippon TV: Every Wednesday from 25:00
- AT-X: Every Thursday from 22:30
- Repeat broadcasts available
All TV broadcasts are free to watch.
Streaming Information
- Simultaneous Streaming: Netflix and other major platforms
- Streaming Start: January 7, 2026, from 23:00
- Episode 2 onward: Every Wednesday from 23:30
Exact availability may vary by service.
Opening & Ending Themes
- Opening Theme: “Ersterbend”
- Composition & Arrangement: LIN (MADKID)
- Ending Theme: “Prayer” by Chiaki Fujikawa
- Lyrics: Chiaki Fujikawa
- Composition & Arrangement: Seishin Kondo (Elements Garden)
The music enhances the series’ dark and emotional atmosphere.
Why Eat a Game of Death Stands Out
What makes this anime unique among death-game series:
- Focus on earning points vs. protecting others
- Heavy psychological tension
- Stylish cosplay-inspired character designs
- Questions about morality, motivation, and sacrifice
Rather than glorifying survival, the series asks why people continue playing even when escape seems possible.
Final Thoughts
Episode 3 of Eat a Game of Death deepens the mystery surrounding Yuuki’s actions and introduces a new layer of danger for the remaining players. As the death game evolves, so do the emotional and psychological stakes.
For fans of survival thrillers, mind games, and morally complex characters, this episode is a must-watch.
With each new chapter, Eat a Game of Death proves it is more than just a battle for survival—it is a story about choices, consequences, and what people are willing to risk in the name of something more.
