Evil Empire Developing Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse for 2026 Release

Evil Empire has been confirmed as the studio developing the new title, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, which is scheduled for a multi-platform release in 2026. This project marks a significant expansion for the independent developer, moving from their work on the popular action-platformer Dead Cells to a full-scale entry in the long-running Konami franchise.

How Did Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Development Start

The origins of the project trace back to the collaborative efforts between Evil Empire and Konami during the development of downloadable content for Dead Cells. According to Benjamin Laulan, COO of Motion Twin and Evil Empire, the team initially approached Konami with a modest request. The developer sought permission to create a series of Castlevania-themed skins to integrate into the Dead Cells experience. At the time, the studio viewed the prospect of a larger partnership as unlikely, with Laulan noting that he initially dismissed the idea of a full-scale collaboration, believing the concept was too ambitious for the publisher to approve.

However, the pitch for the cosmetic crossover served as a catalyst for a much larger conversation. Konami responded positively to the initial proposal, which eventually evolved into a more substantial content expansion for Dead Cells. During the negotiation process for that expansion, Konami representatives inquired if the team at Evil Empire would be interested in taking on the responsibility of developing a dedicated, standalone Castlevania game. This unexpected offer shifted the trajectory of the studio's development roadmap, leading to the formalization of Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse.

The Connection Between Dead Cells and Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

The relationship between the two projects is rooted in the technical and creative synergy established during the production of the Dead Cells crossover content. By demonstrating their ability to handle the intellectual property within the framework of a 2D action-platformer, Evil Empire secured the trust required to lead a new entry in the series. This transition highlights how smaller, targeted content updates can often lead to broader opportunities for independent studios within the industry.

For those following our gaming news coverage here at In Game News, it is important to note that the development of this title represents a shift in how Konami manages its legacy franchises. Rather than keeping development exclusively internal, the publisher is leveraging the expertise of studios that have proven experience in the genre. This strategy mirrors the industry trend of connecting established indie developers with historic gaming brands to reach modern audiences on current-generation hardware.

Project Scope and Expectations

While the studio has not released extensive gameplay footage, the announcement has clarified that the project is a full-scale title. The development team, known for their work on the fast-paced, high-difficulty mechanics of Dead Cells, is applying that same design philosophy to this new entry. The title is being built for multiple platforms, ensuring that the 2026 release will be accessible to a wide range of players.

The history of the franchise includes notable entries such as Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge, which was released on July 12, 1991, for the Game Boy. As we continue to track the progress of this new title, our Castlevania series coverage will provide updates on technical specifications and platform-specific features as they are confirmed by the development team.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Official Announcement Details 2026

The official announcement in 2026 confirmed that the game is currently in active production. Evil Empire has expressed enthusiasm regarding the opportunity to work with the franchise, with internal leadership emphasizing the importance of asking for opportunities that may seem out of reach. The studio's experience with the platformer genre positions them as a logical choice for a series that has historically defined the "Metroidvania" style of gameplay.

Industry observers have noted that the 2026 release window allows the team sufficient time to refine the game mechanics and ensure that the final product aligns with both the legacy of the series and the modern expectations of the genre. As more information becomes available regarding the specific platforms and launch features, we will update our reporting to reflect these developments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is developing Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse?
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is being developed by the independent studio Evil Empire.

What is the connection between Dead Cells and Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse?
The development of Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse began after Evil Empire pitched a Castlevania-themed crossover for Dead Cells, which led Konami to invite them to create a full-scale standalone title.

Is Evil Empire making the new Castlevania game?
Yes, Evil Empire is officially handling the development of the new title, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, following a successful collaboration with Konami on Dead Cells.