Unpacking Blue Prince: Developer Insights on Genre, Inspiration, and Impact

Blue Prince has emerged as one of the standout indie titles of 2025, captivating players with its unique blend of mystery and exploration. This puzzle roguelite game drops players into the enigmatic Mt. Holly manor, where they must navigate a ever-changing layout, uncovering clues and piecing together the secrets within. Each door opened presents a new room, and with it, a fresh challenge or opportunity, as the game's procedurally generated world ensures no two playthroughs are alike. The ultimate goal is to reach the elusive 46th room, but the journey is fraught with potential pitfalls, from dead-end rooms to locked doors. Success, on the other hand, is measured in the discovery of new room types, vital information, or permanent unlocks that aid in exploration. The game's use of random number generation (RNG) adds a layer of unpredictability, making each day's exploration a thrilling experience. However, this same element can also deter less patient players. For Tonda Ros, the game's developer, categorizing Blue Prince into a specific genre is a challenge. 'I find it nearly impossible to describe Blue Prince in genre terms because there are so many built-in preconceptions about each of these terms,' Ros explains. Instead, Ros draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including tabletop and card games, as well as cult classic video games like Vagrant Story. The idea for Blue Prince was first sparked during a playthrough of Vagrant Story, particularly in the game's labyrinthine Snowfly forest. This section, notorious for its complexity, influenced Ros's approach to designing the manor's layout in Blue Prince. Unlike many developers, Ros never had to pitch Blue Prince to publishers, instead approaching them with a fully playable game. The game's eventual publisher, Raw Fury, was won over by the game's unique charm. Ros attributes the game's success to a combination of disparate ideas and a willingness to take risks. 'I think projects are always more interesting when they take chances and explore new territory,' Ros notes. Blue Prince has generated a significant amount of conversation and community engagement, with players sharing their experiences and strategies. Ros believes that this is due in part to the game's ability to challenge players and encourage critical thinking. When asked about the challenges of attracting players to puzzle games, Ros emphasizes the importance of promoting 'thinky games' and encouraging players to venture out of their comfort zones. The game's inclusion in June 2024's Steam Next Fest also helped raise its profile, providing players with a generous demo to explore. While Ros wasn't focused on the marketing impact, the demo did aid in the game's development, helping to identify and fix bugs. Other factors, such as the game's launch on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, have also contributed to its success. As a designer, Ros is more concerned with providing opportunities for players to discover and play the game, rather than the technical benefits of platforms. 'I feel the exact same way about accessibility features,' Ros says. 'We need to figure out ways to lower barriers that might prevent people from being able to experience art.' For players who do find themselves in the world of Mt. Holly, Ros is confident that the game's design will guide them. 'The game is designed from top to bottom for the curious,' Ros explains. 'I think if you find it fun to explore, theorise, and experiment, then there's not too much of a risk of just dropping a player into the world without explaining things.'