Unveiling the Vision for Lies of P

Lies of P represents a significant departure for both its publisher, Neowiz, and developer, 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 shed light on their decision to base the game on the timeless story of Pinocchio. According to game director Jiwon Choi, the choice of a public domain story was driven by the desire to create something unique within the Souls-like genre, which often features less conventional narratives. Choi noted that having a well-known property can be both a blessing and a curse, as it offers a solid foundation for development but also demands a deep respect for the original material. The development team drew inspiration from the Belle Époque era, characterized by its remarkable scientific and technological advancements, as well as its unique blend of romance, turmoil, and cultural resurgence. This period, spanning from 1880 to 1914 in Europe, provided the perfect backdrop for the game's narrative. Round8 Studio's head, Jason Park, emphasized that the creation of Lies of P involved more than just selecting a captivating story and setting. The team invested considerable time in researching the target market, genre, and overall strategies, including the possibility of incorporating open-world or multiplayer features. However, they ultimately decided to focus on delivering a solid, action-focused experience, making Lies of P the studio's debut single-player title. Choi acknowledged that the Souls-like genre has gained immense popularity, but he believes that creating a successful game within this genre is incredibly challenging. Despite the market presence of Souls-like games, the development team remained focused on their own work, driven by their passion for the genre and their desire to honor it. The game director expressed that the team's primary concern was not the competition, but rather delivering a game that would meet their own expectations and provide an enjoyable experience for gamers. Lies of P marks a significant departure from Neowiz's typical catalog of free-to-play MMOs, such as Bless Unleashed. According to publishing director Wonmo Kim, the company sees Lies of P as an opportunity to diversify its title offerings and establish itself as a publisher capable of creating exceptional single-player console games. Kim highlighted the importance of teamwork in game development and expressed his confidence in Round8 Studio's abilities. The publisher and development team learned valuable lessons from the game's demo, including the significance of hands-on experiences in earning fans' trust and the importance of social platforms and news outlets in reaching gaming enthusiasts. As the game's release approaches, Choi hinted at the possibility of exploring more stories within the Lies of P universe, provided the game performs well.