The creators of the critically acclaimed soulslike game Lies of P at South Korean studio NEOWIZ have officially confirmed that they are dedicating all their resources to developing a full-fledged sequel. The highly anticipated continuation is being built on the latest version of Unreal Engine 5, promising significant technical and visual improvements over its predecessor. This announcement comes as welcome news to fans who have been eagerly awaiting information about the future of the dark fairy tale franchise since the original game’s successful launch.
The Success Story Behind Lies of P
Lies of P took the gaming world by surprise when it launched in September 2023, offering a unique twist on the challenging soulslike genre by reimagining Carlo Collodi’s classic tale of Pinocchio in a dark, steampunk-inspired Belle Époque setting. The game transported players to the plague-ridden city of Krat, where they assumed the role of a puppet seeking to become human while battling horrific automatons and monstrous creatures. The title received widespread critical acclaim for its polished combat mechanics, stunning art direction, and innovative take on familiar source material, earning numerous award nominations and achieving commercial success that exceeded many industry expectations.
The original Lies of P was developed using Unreal Engine 4, and while it delivered impressive visuals and performance, the transition to Unreal Engine 5 for the sequel opens up tremendous possibilities. Epic Games’ latest engine iteration introduces groundbreaking features such as Nanite virtualized geometry, which allows for unprecedented levels of environmental detail, and Lumen, a fully dynamic global illumination system that creates more realistic and atmospheric lighting. These technologies could significantly enhance the gothic atmosphere that made the first game so memorable.
What the Engine Upgrade Means for Players
The decision to develop Lies of P 2 on Unreal Engine 5 represents more than just a technical upgrade—it signals NEOWIZ’s ambition to compete at the highest level of game development. Industry analysts note that studios transitioning to UE5 typically see improvements in development workflow efficiency alongside the obvious visual enhancements. For players, this could translate to larger, more detailed environments, improved character animations, more complex physics interactions, and potentially faster loading times on modern hardware. The MetaHuman technology integration possibilities could also allow for more emotionally expressive characters, which would benefit the narrative-driven aspects of the Lies of P universe.
NEOWIZ’s Round8 Studio, the development team behind the original game, has demonstrated remarkable capability in creating a soulslike experience that stands alongside genre titans from FromSoftware. The studio’s willingness to invest in cutting-edge technology for the sequel suggests confidence in both their technical abilities and the franchise’s commercial potential. Reports indicate that the team has expanded significantly since the first game’s release, bringing in additional talent to realize their vision for the continuation of Pinocchio’s dark journey.
The Growing Soulslike Genre Landscape
Lies of P 2 enters development during a particularly competitive period for the soulslike genre. FromSoftware continues to dominate with titles like Elden Ring, while other studios have found success with their own interpretations, including Team Ninja’s Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty and the upcoming projects from various developers worldwide. However, Lies of P distinguished itself through its unique aesthetic and surprisingly deep combat system that rewarded skill and adaptation. The sequel will need to build upon these foundations while introducing enough innovation to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
While NEOWIZ has not revealed specific details about the sequel’s story, setting, or gameplay innovations, the confirmation of active development provides fans with assurance that the studio is committed to expanding the Lies of P universe. Given the first game’s ending and its tantalizing post-credits sequence, speculation about potential directions for the narrative has been rampant within the community. The upgrade to Unreal Engine 5 suggests that whatever story NEOWIZ chooses to tell, it will be presented with unprecedented visual fidelity and technical sophistication that could set new standards for the genre.
Expert Opinion: The transition to Unreal Engine 5 positions Lies of P 2 as a potential technical showcase for the soulslike genre, likely targeting 2026-2027 for release. Given the original’s commercial overperformance and the studio’s expanded resources, NEOWIZ could emerge as a serious competitor to FromSoftware in the challenging action RPG space, particularly if they maintain their distinctive artistic vision while leveraging UE5’s advanced capabilities for more ambitious world design and narrative presentation.