"Castlevania: Belmont's Curse" is becoming one of the most awaited games in the long-running franchise. The project comes from Evil Empire, the studio behind "Dead Cells," in collaboration with Konami.
The goal of the team is to keep the spirit of Castlevania intact while giving the series room to evolve.
This balance could be one of the game's biggest strengths. Evil Empire has developers who already understand and appreciate the franchise. Konami, meanwhile, has remained closely involved throughout development.
Evil Empire and Konami Are Working Closely Together
The relationship between the two studios has played an important role in shaping "Belmont's Curse."
Evil Empire Marketing Director Bérenger Dupré said communication has been a major part of the process. The development team was initially careful about how far it could push its ideas.
Konami encouraged them to go further.
In fact, the support gave Evil Empire more confidence to experiment with the game while still respecting the established identity of "Castlevania."
Lead Level Designer Sandro Bordier also highlighted Konami's involvement. The publisher has given the team substantial creative freedom.
At the same time, Konami continues to make sure the game's visuals, level design, and story fit within the wider "Castlevania" universe.
Producer Tsutomu Taniguchi described the relationship as one built on trust. Evil Empire has room to create, but the franchise's history remains an important consideration.
The developers are therefore aiming for two audiences.
Longtime "Castlevania" fans should recognize familiar elements. Newer players should also find a game that feels modern and engaging.
Classic 'Castlevania' Games Influence the New Adventure
Evil Empire did not rely on just one classic "Castlevania" title for inspiration.
"Castlevania: Symphony of the Night" was an important reference point, according to a report by PCGamesN. However, the team also looked at several other games from the franchise.
"Super Castlevania IV" had a particularly noticeable influence.
The game introduced an omnidirectional whip technique, and "Belmont's Curse" builds on that idea. The updated mechanic is designed to give players greater freedom when moving through the game's environments.
Other "Castlevania" titles also influenced its gameplay systems.
"Aria of Sorrow" and "Circle of the Moon" helped inspire the game's spell and tarot mechanics. Those systems are especially significant because they are tied closely to Rose, the game's central protagonist.
Rather than simply copying older mechanics, Evil Empire appears to be combining ideas from different periods of the franchise.
A New 'Castlevania' Story With Familiar Roots
The game's story also draws from "Castlevania's" extensive history.
"Belmont's Curse" takes place after "Dracula's Curse" and "Curse of Darkness." Those games therefore provide important reference points for the new adventure.
Still, the developers are not trying to include everything from "Castlevania's" past.
Instead, the team has focused on elements that fit the new story. It has also selected features that longtime fans are likely to recognize and appreciate.
That approach could help the game feel connected to the franchise without becoming overly dependent on nostalgia.
Could 'Belmont's Curse' Begin a New 'Castlevania' Era?
"Castlevania: Belmont's Curse" is scheduled to launch on October 15, 2026.
For Evil Empire and Konami, the project could represent more than another revival of a classic series. It may also test whether Castlevania can move into a new phase.
Producer Tsutomu Taniguchi has indicated that the team would be open to creating more Castlevania projects if Belmont's Curse performs well.
For now, the biggest test is finding the right balance. It's also important to note that the team is giving their best ot make the upcoming game an unforgettable release since the last one.
Meanwhile, read our recent report about "LumenTale: Memories of Trey."
