Konami has officially pulled back the curtain on a major Castlevania comeback. During Sony’s State of Play broadcast on February 12, the publisher revealed Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a new 2D exploration-based action game set in medieval Paris — and made clear that this is only the first step in a much larger plan for the iconic franchise.
The game is being developed by Evil Empire and Motion Twin, the studios behind the critically acclaimed roguelike-Metroidvania Dead Cells. Set in 1499, the story follows a female protagonist — widely speculated to be the daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades — as she wields the legendary Vampire Killer whip to fight back monstrous creatures overrunning the streets of Paris. Along with the whip, players can expect a sword and additional weapons to be revealed before launch, as reported by Rock Paper Shotgun.
What has fans most excited, however, is a statement posted on the official Castlevania 40th anniversary website. In it, the series production team declared that 2026 — the 40th anniversary of the original Akumajō Dracula — will mark a true revival for the brand. “This is the beginning of numerous new products around Castlevania,” the message reads. “Look forward to the return of the magnificent ‘nightmare’ lurking in the darkness.”
As Eurogamer notes, while the statement uses the word “products” rather than “games” — leaving room for comics, animated series, and other media — it would be surprising if additional game titles weren’t a central part of Konami’s plans. Whether future entries will stick to the classic 2D formula or venture into other genres, such as the third-person action style of the Lords of Shadow series, remains to be seen.
Konami expressed strong confidence in the development team, stating that Evil Empire and Motion Twin are “brimming with talent and passion” and are well positioned to deliver a game that honors the spirit of Castlevania while introducing fresh ideas. Given the studios’ track record with Dead Cells, which earned widespread praise for its razor-sharp combat and fluid movement, fans have reason to be optimistic.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is slated for release sometime in 2026 on PlayStation 5 and PC, and is available to wishlist now. For a franchise that has been largely dormant for years, this anniversary year is shaping up to be a landmark moment for vampire hunters everywhere.