Poncle, the studio behind Vampire Survivors, has shared insights into their future plans for the game and potential new projects. Luca Galante, the studio head, emphasized that they intend to maintain a similar scope for future games rather than dramatically expanding or changing direction.
For Vampire Survivors itself, Poncle has outlined several key points:
1. Online co-op: While it's a significant challenge, the team is working on implementing this feature. They've brought in additional help and are making progress, but it's still too early to make definitive promises.
2. Cross-platform saves: A public beta for cross-save functionality is planned for next month, initially for Steam and Android platforms, with potential expansion to other platforms later.
3. Content updates: Version 1.9 is scheduled for release on all platforms in February.
4. The Vampire Survivors Experiment: Poncle is collaborating with external indie developers on "Vampire Survivors-adjacent experiments." However, they're cautious about committing to these projects, stating that they may not necessarily be released.
I will definitely be spending a lot more in terms of production. But in terms of scope, I don't want to suddenly start making games that are bigger. I want to stay on the same level.
I won't suddenly start adding complex narratives to the game, hiring actors to do motion capture or voice-acting. All those things are on a completely different scope and something I'm not comfortable with.
So it would be crazy for me to try and do something bigger just because it's what everyone is expecting. That's not going to work well. I want to keep working at the level I'm comfortable with. Maybe just one little step ahead, but just a little one.
Regarding future games, Galante stated, "We'll 'keep it simple' and gameplay-focused. We might try a few things, but we won't suddenly start building something with a completely different scope." This approach suggests that while Poncle may explore new ideas, they're not looking to dramatically alter their game development philosophy or create vastly different types of games.
The studio's current roadmap for Vampire Survivors, known as the Chaos Roadmap, is set to continue through the end of 2024. This indicates that fans can expect ongoing support and content for the existing game while Poncle carefully considers their next steps.
The developer's stance appears to be one of cautious evolution rather than radical change, focusing on enhancing and expanding their successful formula rather than venturing into dramatically different territory.
Vampire Survivors Castlevania interview - ‘I put myself before everything'
GameCentral talks to the creator of indie smash hit Vampire Survivors, as he explains why making games needs to be as fun as playing them.
metro.co.uk