The enduring legacy of the Metroidvania genre stands as a testament to Castlevania’s monumental impact on gaming history. Despite its foundational influence, the legendary franchise has remained dormant for years, particularly regarding its 2D roots. However, during the latest PlayStation State of Play, Konami revealed that the series is finally awakening from its long-standing hiatus. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a brand-new side-scrolling adventure, is officially slated for release.
This ambitious project is a collaborative effort between Konami and the acclaimed indie studios Motion Twin and Evil Empire. This partnership feels like a natural evolution, as both indie teams are the creative forces behind the hit Dead Cells—a title that wears its gothic inspirations on its sleeve. Having previously integrated the Belmont legacy into their own world through a massive crossover expansion, these developers are now taking the reins of a full-fledged entry in the iconic series.
Narratively, Belmont’s Curse serves as a direct successor to the 1989 NES classic Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, picking up the story 23 years after those events. The timing of this revival is particularly poignant, as the announcement coincides with the franchise’s milestone 40th anniversary.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is scheduled to debut in 2026. For a closer look at the pedigree of these developers, you can explore our impressions of the Return to Castlevania DLC, which served as a precursor to this exciting new chapter.
