Koei Tecmo has revealed a new gameplay trailer for The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother, offering a closer look at the upcoming mystery adventure inspired by the popular light novel series created by Hyuganatsu and illustrated by Touko Shino. The game is scheduled to launch on March 18 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. The latest footage highlights several of its core mechanics, including exploration, investigations and Maomao's ability to prepare different concoctions while searching for clues. A Digital Deluxe Edition is also planned and will include additional costume packs.

The story places players directly in the role of Maomao as a series of unusual incidents and conspiracies begins to spread across the rear palace, the capital and its red-light district. These events are connected to the mysterious "False Imperial Brother," forcing the young apothecary to rely on her medical knowledge, sharp observational skills and talent for deduction. Gameplay will revolve around investigating locations, gathering information and creating compounds that can help Maomao uncover the truth behind the increasingly dangerous situation threatening the imperial court.

The Apothecary Diaries originally began as a web novel written by Hyuganatsu in October 2011 before receiving a printed light novel edition from Shufunotomo in 2014, featuring illustrations by Touko Shino. Its popularity later led to a manga adaptation by Nekokurage in 2017. The franchise achieved even greater international recognition with its television anime, which premiered in October 2023. A second season followed in January 2025, while the third season launched on October 2, 2026. Its second cour is scheduled to begin in April 2027, with Crunchyroll continuing to stream the series internationally.

The franchise is also expanding well beyond television. An original anime movie titled Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: B艒hi no Hih艒, known in English as The Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress' Treasure, is scheduled to arrive in Japanese theaters on December 11 with a new story written by Hyuganatsu. Amazon Prime Video is additionally developing a live action adaptation for a worldwide release in 2028. With a dedicated video game, new anime episodes, a theatrical film and a future live action project, The Apothecary Diaries continues to establish itself as one of the most active Japanese entertainment franchises of the moment.