The short version
- First-person beef-bowl restaurant management simulator by White Games (ほわいとゲームズ), releasing November 13, 2026 on PC (Steam).
- Built by a developer with roughly 10 years of real-world gyudon chain experience, recreating authentic prep timings and kitchen pressure.
- Supports solo play and up to 4-player online co-op as you run the small shop 'Ushidon!' (うし丼！) for 30 days before a headquarters evaluation.
- Washing and cooking rice takes 30 minutes, simmering beef and onions takes 15 minutes, every order must be served within 5 minutes, and running out of rice immediately forces the shop to close.
At a glance
| Developer | White Games (ほわいとゲームズ) |
|---|---|
| Platform & release | PC (Steam) — November 13, 2026 |
| Players | Single-player & up to 4-player online co-op |
| Core constraints | 30-min rice prep, 15-min simmer, 5-min serve limit |
| Campaign goal | 30-day operation of 'Ushidon!' + HQ assessment |
| Category | Web Games |
| Creator / publisher | AUTOMATON（オートマトン） |
| Source link | automaton-media.com ↗ |
| Heat | 🔥 431.4K Heat |
| Announced | |
| Data updated |
10 years of real gyudon kitchen experience turned into game mechanics
Revealed via AUTOMATON Japan on October 30, 2026, Gyudon Shop Simulator (`牛丼店シミュレーター`) is developed by White Games (`ほわいとゲームズ`), whose creator spent roughly a decade working inside an actual Japanese beef-bowl restaurant. Rather than abstracting cooking into a single button press, the game models the exact workflow of running a compact storefront named 'Ushidon!' (`うし丼！`).
Players work in first-person across a 30-day schedule, handling rice washing, pot simmering, portioning, toppings, cashier duty, and dishwashing, culminating in a final inspection from corporate headquarters.
30-minute rice, 15-minute simmer, and the 5-minute serving rule
The tension comes from mismatched timers that mirror real fast-food prep. Washing and cooking a batch of rice takes 30 in-game minutes, and simmering beef and sliced onions in sauce takes 15 minutes—yet once a customer places an order, you have a strict 5-minute window to plate the bowl with the requested toppings and serve it.
If you misjudge ingredient ratios while simmering, the flavor grade drops; if your rice cooker runs completely empty during a rush, the restaurant is forced to shut down on the spot.
Dividing roles across 4-player online co-op
While solo operators have to juggle back-kitchen prep and front-counter checkout simultaneously, up to four players can team up online to split stations—assigning one person to continuous rice and pot prep, one to plating and toppings, and others to cashier and dishwashing duty before the lunch rush hits.
Because customers leave angry if their bowl takes longer than five minutes, coordinating backup rice batches before the current pot runs dry is essential to surviving all 30 days.
How to try it
Read the official AUTOMATON announcement & Steam details
Use the button above to view the full gameplay breakdown, screenshots, and release specifications.
Prep rice and simmered beef before opening the counter
Start 30-minute rice batches and 15-minute beef pots early so you never hit an instant rice-shortage shutdown.
Coordinate 4-player stations to beat the 5-minute timer
Split cooking, plating, checkout, and dishwashing roles with friends to pass the 30-day headquarters assessment.
FAQ
When does Gyudon Shop Simulator release?
It is scheduled to launch on November 13, 2026 on PC via Steam.
Does Gyudon Shop Simulator support multiplayer?
Yes, it supports both solo play and online cooperative play for up to 4 players.
What happens if you run out of cooked rice during service?
Running out of rice triggers an immediate forced closure for the day, and because rice takes 30 minutes to cook, you must start backup batches ahead of peak hours.
