Overview

When Round8 Studio’s debut, Lies of P, emerged from the shadows of the 2023 release calendar, it did more than simply add another entry to the ever‑growing Souls‑like pantheon—it signaled a bold re‑interpretation of the classic Pinocchio myth through the lens of brutal, methodical combat and atmospheric storytelling. The title’s striking visual identity, tight combat loops, and a narrative that dared to split its ending into multiple, lore‑rich outcomes resonated with a core audience that craves both mechanical depth and narrative intrigue, pushing it into the top tier of indie‑driven action RPGs on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Its commercial performance, while not matching the blockbuster sales of titles like Elden Ring, nonetheless delivered a respectable profit margin for publisher Neowiz, confirming that the market still has appetite for high‑risk, high‑reward design philosophies that deviate from mainstream AAA formulas.

In the months following its launch, the community has been dissecting every frame of the final cutscene, where a cryptic visual cue hinted at a sequel’s thematic direction. That speculation was abruptly grounded when a trademark filing surfaced, listing a potential title that appears to be the sequel’s official moniker. Trademark submissions have become a de‑facto early‑warning system for upcoming projects across the industry, from Nintendo’s subtle “Project M” filing to Sony’s “Project Q” hint. For Neowiz, the move is a calculated signal to investors and fans alike: the studio is not resting on its laurels, but is instead positioning itself to capitalize on the momentum generated by the original’s critical acclaim.

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What Happened?

Earlier this week, intellectual‑property databases revealed a new filing under Neowiz’s name, registering the phrase “Round8” alongside a subtitle that aligns closely with the narrative threads teased at the end of Lies of P. While the exact wording of the trademark remains partially redacted, the filing date and the associated International Class suggest a full‑scale sequel, likely to retain the same engine and core design team. Round8 Studio’s lead director, who previously hinted at a “next chapter that expands the moral ambiguity of our wooden protagonist,” appears to be steering the sequel toward a darker, perhaps more experimental direction, leveraging the unresolved plot points that left players debating the true nature of Pinocchio’s humanity.

Neowiz’s public communications have been deliberately sparse, but a brief statement released via their corporate blog confirmed that the trademark is “part of our ongoing commitment to protect and develop intellectual property that resonates with our global audience.” The phrasing mirrors similar corporate language used during the announcement cycles of titles like Horizon Forbidden West, where the publisher simultaneously reassured stakeholders while stoking fan speculation. Industry observers note that the timing—approximately twelve months after the original’s launch—mirrors the development cadence of other successful Souls‑like franchises, suggesting a strategic window for a polished sequel rather than a rushed cash‑grab.

Analysis

The emergence of a trademark for the sequel carries weight beyond mere nomenclature; it signals Neowiz’s confidence in the franchise’s commercial viability and its intent to deepen its foothold in the premium action‑RPG segment. Historically, indie‑originated Souls‑likes have struggled to sustain long‑term series momentum without the backing of a heavyweight publisher, as seen with the waning sales of titles like Salt and Sanctuary after its initial surge. Neowiz, however, brings a robust distribution network across East Asian markets and a growing presence in the West, positioning the sequel to benefit from both regional pipelines. Moreover, the trademark filing hints at a potential shift in branding strategy—moving from the ambiguous “Lies of P” to a more defined subtitle that could aid discoverability in crowded digital storefronts, a lesson learned from the rebranding of titles such as Dark Souls III which leveraged clear sequels to boost sales.

From a competitive standpoint, the sequel will likely contend with heavyweight releases slated for 2025, including FromSoftware’s next post‑Elden venture and Bandai Namco’s anticipated revival of the Darkest Dungeon universe. If Round8 Studio can iterate on the original’s combat fluidity while integrating deeper RPG systems—perhaps borrowing from the emergent “risk‑reward” mechanics seen in Remnant 2—the sequel could carve a distinct niche that appeals to both purists and newer players drawn by the narrative’s mythic allure. Technical hurdles remain, however; scaling the original’s hand‑crafted level design to a larger scope without sacrificing performance on previous‑gen consoles will demand significant engine optimisation, a challenge that has tripped up other mid‑tier studios attempting rapid sequels.

XPLog Opinion

At XPLog, we view the trademark revelation as a decisive moment for Neowiz: it demonstrates a willingness to invest in a franchise that, while still niche, has proven it can command a passionate, spend‑ready audience. The sequel’s potential to deepen the philosophical questions raised by the first game—identity, free will, and the cost of transformation—offers a compelling narrative hook that could elevate it above the noise of generic action RPG sequels. Should Round8 Studio deliver on this promise, Neowiz could establish a new flagship IP that rivals the staying power of the Dark Souls brand, especially if they pair the sequel with a robust post‑launch content roadmap that embraces the live‑service expectations of today’s core gamers.

Final Thoughts

While the trademark filing does not constitute an official announcement, the confluence of community speculation, strategic timing, and Neowiz’s clear protective stance suggests that the sequel is well into the pipeline and likely to arrive within the next 18‑24 months. Players should keep an eye on major industry events—particularly the upcoming Summer Game Fest and the PlayStation State of Play—where Round8 Studio may finally lift the veil on the title, its official name, and a first‑look at the next chapter of Pinocchio’s harrowing odyssey.