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Round8 Studio Teases Next Game Is ‘Emotionally Moving’

Marcus WebbBy Marcus Webb·

Round8 Studio, part of the team behind Neowiz’s popular Souls-like Lies of P, has given its clearest hint about the next project. They described it as something that “is going to be really fun and emotionally moving,” in a recently released short documentary detailing the studio’s development process.

The documentary highlights Round8’s design approach for Lies of P, emphasizing ongoing “testing and refining.” However, the brief mention of their upcoming project is what’s grabbing the most attention. While the studio didn’t reveal the game’s name or provide any visuals, their description is the only clear indication of their creative direction.

This tease comes at a crucial time. Lies of P launched in September 2023 and has since garnered 36,557 Steam reviews with a 93% positive rating. This achievement places it among the top-reviewed Souls-likes outside of FromSoftware’s offerings. The game is currently priced at $29.99 on Steam and still attracts nearly 3,000 concurrent players, indicating a strong, lasting player base that Round8 will likely want to keep engaged.

Neowiz is quietly laying the groundwork for the next project. Job postings from May 2026 indicate the publisher is actively looking for an AI Creator for Round8’s upcoming game. This suggests they plan to incorporate AI tools into their production process, aligning with broader industry trends. However, this move has raised some eyebrows among fans. Additionally, the Lies of P: Complete Edition is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 in August 2026, expanding the franchise’s reach while the next title is in development.

Describing the next game as “emotionally moving” is notable for a studio that built its debut around the tragic tale of Pinocchio, exploring themes of lies, humanity, and sacrifice. Lies of P focused heavily on its story and atmosphere, more than many other Souls-like games. If the next title embraces that identity, we might see emotional depth as a central theme rather than a shift away from it.

By The Numbers
Steam Review Score 93% positive
Total Steam Reviews 36,557
Current Steam Price $29.99
Current Concurrent Players 2,906
Original Release Date September 19, 2023

The community’s enthusiasm for Lies of P remains strong almost three years after its launch. One reviewer on Steam expressed it well: “Lies of PEAK! I’m glad I gave this game another try, loved it and highly recommend it if you enjoy Souls-likes.” This kind of positive word-of-mouth gives Round8 a solid foundation to build on and raises expectations for their next move.

What To Watch

  • A formal announcement from Round8: While the studio has confirmed its direction, it hasn’t revealed a title, genre, or release window. Keep an eye out for a full reveal, likely timed for a major event like The Game Awards or a Neowiz-specific showcase.
  • How AI integration shapes development: The May 2026 AI Creator hire will be interesting to follow. Whether Round8 uses AI for asset creation, narrative tools, or quality assurance could impact both production speed and community reception.
  • Switch 2 performance for the Complete Edition: The Lies of P: Complete Edition’s launch on Switch 2 in August 2026 will be a key test of the franchise’s viability on Nintendo hardware. This could influence whether the next game launches on that platform.
Marcus Webb

Marcus Webb

Marcus Webb covers esports, competitive gaming, and community stories for Explosion.com. A former semi-professional Counter-Strike player, Marcus transitioned to journalism 5 years ago and has since covered major tournaments including The International, League of Legends Worlds, and the Valorant Champions Tour. He brings a player's perspective to competitive gaming coverage and is known for his data-driven analysis of player performance and meta shifts.