Lies of P Developer Round8 Studio Teases Sci-Fi Survival Horror Project
Neowiz's Round8 Studio is diversifying its portfolio with a new emotionally driven IP and a 2025 expansion for its hit Souls-like.
Neowiz has provided a first glimpse into the future of Round8 Studio, the team behind the critically acclaimed action RPG Lies of P. In a recently released documentary detailing the development of their debut hit, the studio teased a new, unannounced project designed to push the boundaries of their previous work.
During the documentary, Jiwon Choi described the upcoming title as being "really fun and emotionally moving." While specific plot details remain under wraps, reports indicate that Round8 Studio is developing a new intellectual property centered on survival horror set within a sci-fi world. Choi emphasized the team's commitment to the project, stating, "We're giving it everything we have to make it the best it can be. So please, just wait a little longer."
Expanding the Lies of P Universe
While the studio looks toward new horizons, it is not abandoning the world of Krat. Neowiz has confirmed that a DLC expansion for Lies of P, titled "Overture," is planned for release in 2025. While some industry reports suggest a launch in the first quarter of the year, other sources point toward June 2025, though the general release window remains consistent across platforms.
Lies of P established Round8 Studio as a capable developer of high-production "Souls-like" experiences, blending a dark reimagining of the Pinocchio story with challenging combat. The success of the title has provided the studio with the momentum to expand its roadmap beyond a single hit, moving toward a broader portfolio of high-budget titles.
A Shift in Design Philosophy
This transition signals a strategic pivot for Neowiz. By moving into the sci-fi survival horror genre and prioritizing "emotionally moving" content, Round8 Studio is diversifying its design philosophy. Rather than adhering strictly to the rigid formulas of the Souls-like genre, the studio appears intent on exploring different atmospheric and narrative triggers to engage players.
For the industry, this move demonstrates how a breakout success can be leveraged to establish a multi-genre studio identity. The shift from a gothic, clockwork aesthetic to a sci-fi horror setting suggests a desire to prove the studio's versatility in world-building and mechanical design.
What to Watch
As 2025 approaches, the primary focus for fans will be the release of the "Overture" expansion and any further concrete details regarding the sci-fi project. While the general direction of the new IP is known, the specific gameplay loop—and how it will integrate the promised emotional weight—remains the biggest question mark. For now, the industry awaits a formal reveal of the new IP's title and a definitive release date for the Lies of P expansion.