Little Nightmares III: 'Dreams on Paper' Trailer Deconstruction

Last Updated: November 5, 2025

Bandai Namco and developer Supermassive Games previously unveiled a chilling thematic trailer for their highly anticipated sequel, Little Nightmares III, titled 'Dreams on Paper.' While not a traditional gameplay showcase, the teaser delves deep into the psychological and artistic horror that defines the series, posing the cryptic question: "Will you take the pencil and share the weight together?"

Originally slated for a 2024 launch, the team announced a delay to ensure the game receives the "care and love it deserves," pushing the release window to 2025. This 'Dreams on Paper' trailer remains a crucial look into the thematic core of what this new chapter holds.

A Sketch of Terror

The 'Dreams on Paper' trailer serves as a conceptual mood piece, focusing on the artistic process by blending unsettling sketches and illustrations with the franchise's signature oppressive atmosphere. Its accompanying description, "This isn't just a drawing, it's a way to hold the fear still," strongly implies that the very act of creation is central to the game's narrative and mechanics. This creative direction suggests the protagonists, Low and Alone, may use art as a coping mechanism or even a tool against the monstrous residents of the Nowhere.

This theme aligns perfectly with the series' established aesthetic. The world of Little Nightmares has always felt like a grotesque painting brought to life, and by explicitly referencing drawings and pencils, Supermassive Games pulls back the curtain on the nature of this terrifying world. It could be a manifestation of a troubled artist's imagination or a collective nightmare given terrifying form. The trailer's focus on hand-drawn imagery reinforces the tangible, almost handcrafted feel of the game's horror, where every shadow and creature feels deliberately designed to provoke profound unease.

Sharing the Weight Together

A crucial element highlighted by the trailer is the game's cooperative nature. The question, "Will you take the pencil and share the weight together?" is a direct callout to the series' first-ever online co-op mode. Players will guide the new characters, Low and Alone, through the Spiral's distorted landscapes, and this trailer underscores how their bond is essential for survival. The 'weight' is likely both literal—referring to collaborative puzzles—and metaphorical, alluding to the psychological burden of the horrors they face.

Unlike previous entries where a companion was AI-controlled (as in Little Nightmares II), the requirement for genuine player cooperation in Little Nightmares III is set to elevate the tension. Success will depend on communication and trust as players navigate intricate environmental puzzles and evade gargantuan threats. The trailer suggests the narrative itself is woven around this partnership, exploring themes of reliance, shared trauma, and the strength found in companionship when facing overwhelming dread. The pencil could symbolize a shared tool or purpose that both characters must use in tandem to progress and perhaps reshape their grim reality.

A New Chapter of Fear

With development now in the hands of Supermassive Games, known for cinematic horror titles like Until Dawn and The Quarry, there is palpable anticipation for the narrative depth they will bring to the franchise. The 'Dreams on Paper' trailer, though brief, is a confident statement of intent, showcasing a commitment to the psychological, atmospheric horror that fans love while introducing new, intriguing thematic layers.

Following the delay to 2025, this teaser serves as a potent reminder of the chilling journey that lies ahead. It doesn't spoil major set pieces or monster reveals, but rather deepens the mystery and sets a somber, reflective tone. It reinforces that Little Nightmares III aims to be more than just a sequence of scares; it is an exploration of fear itself and the bonds we forge to endure it. Fans are now left to ponder the meaning of these sketched nightmares as they await the chance to take up the pencil themselves.