IGN can exclusively reveal that the new survival horror movie Buddy is getting a throwback video game tie-in that’s fully compatible with GameBoy Color.

As the movie’s official synopsis explains, Buddy is “the bright orange unicorn, star of that classic children's television show, the one who brought joy and life lessons into your living room every afternoon. Inside the colorful world of It's Buddy, a group of children spend their days singing, dancing, and helping Buddy spread happiness. Then one child refuses to play along. Buddy is not pleased, and cracks begin to appear in this seemingly perfect world.”

Developed by playinstinct and published by ModRetro, Buddy: The Video Game is targeting a Q4 2026 release on the ModRetro Chromatic. Like its namesake movie, the game mixes survival horror, visual novel storytelling, and a collection of show-themed mini games.

Watch the exclusive teaser trailer for Buddy: The Video Game.

"Buddy already has such a distinct identity, so the game gives us a lot to play with," said Chris Beach, Head of Games Publishing at ModRetro. "It can be funny and colorful one moment, then genuinely unsettling the next. playinstinct has done a great job carrying that tension into each mode."

Buddy: The Video Game offers the following modes:

  • Live the Movie in Story Mode: Immerse yourself in the film's storyline. Will you try to appease Buddy, or defy him and trigger his deadly wrath?

  • See How Long You Last in Survival Mode: No story, no safety net. Run, hide, and scavenge for survival as Buddy hunts you down across locations from the movie.

  • Turn the Tables in Buddy Mode: Step into the oversized hoofs of the orange unicorn himself. Hunt down fleeing children and enforce the rules of the show.

  • Wholesome Fun in Mini Game Mode: Need a break from running for your life? Take a breath and dive into a collection of cheerful show-themed mini games. Dance, dust, paint, ride, and bat your way to high scores and achievements.

Buddy is directed by Casper Kelly (Too Many Cooks) from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jamie King. It stars Keegan-Michael Key as Buddy, alongside Cristin Milioti, Topher Grace, Michael Shannon, and Patton Oswalt.

Buddy opens in theaters August 28, 2026 from Roadside Attractions and Saban Films.