Unveiling the Vision for Lies of P

Lies of P marks a significant departure for both Neowiz and Round8 Studio, as they venture into the realm of AAA single-player Souls-like games. In a conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, the studio's executives and its parent company shared their approach to establishing a foothold in this genre. The decision to base the game on the timeless story of Pinocchio was driven by a desire to bring a unique twist to the Souls-like genre, which often favors original narratives. According to game director Jiwon Choi, utilizing a public domain story allowed the team to focus on adding their distinctive spin while respecting the source material. The choice of the Belle Époque era as the game's setting was influenced by the period's blend of scientific advancements, cultural resurgence, and turmoil, providing a rich backdrop for the game's narrative. However, Round8 Studio's head, Jason Park, emphasized that the development of Lies of P involved more than just selecting a compelling setting and story. The team invested considerable time in researching the target market, genre, and overall strategies, including the potential incorporation of open-world or multiplayer features. Ultimately, the decision was made to prioritize delivering a solid, action-focused experience, making Lies of P the studio's debut single-player title. Choi acknowledged the popularity of Souls-like games but noted that creating one is incredibly challenging. Despite the genre's growing popularity, the development team focused on their own work rather than the competition, driven by a passion for the genre and a desire to honor it. The game's development also marked a departure from Neowiz's typical focus on free-to-play MMOs, as seen in their previous title, Bless Unleashed. Lies of P is viewed as an opportunity for the company to diversify its offerings and establish itself as a publisher capable of creating exceptional single-player console games. Neowiz publishing director Wonmo Kim expressed the company's belief in Round8 Studio's capabilities and the importance of teamwork in creating a strong game. Reflecting on the development and marketing of Lies of P, Kim highlighted the valuable lessons learned from the game's demo, which provided insight into consumer interest and the importance of hands-on experiences in earning fans' trust. As the gaming community awaits the game's performance, Choi expressed his hope for the game's success, hinting at the possibility of exploring more stories within the Lies of P universe.