The challenge of following up a critically acclaimed creative work is as old as storytelling itself. From ancient literature to modern television, creators have always grappled with the question of how to meet or exceed the expectations set by their previous successes. Now, nearly three years after the release of Lies of P, the acclaimed 2023 action RPG that earned widespread praise as the finest Soulslike game not developed by FromSoftware, the team at Nough Studio finds itself wrestling with precisely this creative burden as they work on the highly anticipated sequel.
The original Lies of P took the gaming world by surprise when it launched in September 2023, offering a dark reimagining of the classic Pinocchio tale set in a Belle Époque-inspired city overrun by frenzied automatons. The game collected numerous awards during the 2023 awards season, including recognition at prestigious industry ceremonies. Shortly after its triumphant release, the studio confirmed that a sequel was in active development, setting the stage for heightened expectations from fans and critics alike.
From Blank Slate to High Standards
In a recently released behind-the-scenes video from Nough Studio, key members of the development team reflected on the psychological shift they’ve experienced since their debut title’s success. Narrative director Kwon Byungsoo captured the transformation eloquently, noting that attending awards ceremonies once felt like something reserved for others. “I used to think, ‘I wish I could stand there someday,'” Byungsoo explained. “Now I find myself thinking, ‘we have to do even better next time. How much better do we need to be?'” This sentiment reveals the double-edged nature of success in creative industries, where achievement breeds expectation.
Byungsoo further elaborated on how the creative process has fundamentally changed between projects. When developing the original Lies of P, the team operated from what he described as a “completely blank slate,” with the freedom to explore possibilities without the weight of precedent. That blank canvas has now been replaced by a foundation that must be built upon. “Now Lies of P is our starting point,” Byungsoo noted. “The question now is how much more we can build from here.”
Standing Apart in a Crowded Genre
The Soulslike genre, which takes its name and design philosophy from FromSoftware’s groundbreaking Dark Souls series, has become increasingly competitive in recent years. Games in this category are characterized by challenging combat, interconnected world design, and a methodical approach to player progression that rewards patience and skill. While FromSoftware remains the undisputed master of the genre with titles like Elden Ring, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Lies of P managed to carve out its own distinctive identity. Industry observers and dedicated fans of the genre consistently rank it as the finest Soulslike not bearing the FromSoftware name, placing it above other notable entries like Black Myth Wukong, Nioh 3, and Lords of the Fallen.
This distinction is particularly meaningful given the technical and creative standards required to succeed in the Soulslike space. Players of these games are notoriously demanding, having been trained by FromSoftware’s meticulous approach to expect precise combat mechanics, atmospheric world-building, and fair but punishing difficulty curves. Lies of P delivered on these expectations while introducing its own innovations, including a unique weapon assembly system and a morality mechanic tied to its Pinocchio-inspired narrative.
Maintaining Creative Courage
Art lead Cha Byungjun acknowledged the pressure facing the team but emphasized the importance of returning to their original creative mindset. “There’s definitely pressure, but for now we’re trying to set that aside and return to the mindset we had while making Lies of P,” Byungjun explained. “We’re trying to hold onto it.” This approach raises intriguing questions about whether the sequel will maintain the same level of innovation that helped the original refine and advance the Soulslike formula. The balance between honoring what made the first game successful and pushing into new creative territory is a delicate one that has challenged countless sequel developers.
Director Choi Juwon offered insight into the team’s current creative atmosphere, describing a collective determination to surpass their previous achievement. “When we were making Lies of P, there was a real sense of excitement and anticipation,” Juwon recalled. “But when I look at the team now working on our next project, everyone is seriously thinking about how we can do even better. They seem to be grappling with the same questions I am. So now, our drive to push ourselves further has only grown stronger.” This unified ambition suggests that while the pressure is real, it’s being channeled into productive creative energy rather than paralyzing anxiety.
The Road Ahead for Nough Studio
While specific details about the Lies of P sequel remain closely guarded, the development team’s candid reflections offer a window into their creative process. The gaming industry will be watching closely as Nough Studio attempts to replicate and exceed its initial success. History shows that sophomore efforts in the Soulslike genre can be challenging, with even FromSoftware experiencing growing pains between Dark Souls entries before eventually perfecting its formula. However, the self-awareness and determination displayed by the Lies of P team suggest they understand the magnitude of their task. As the Soulslike genre continues to evolve and attract new competitors, Nough Studio’s next project may well determine whether they remain at the forefront of FromSoftware’s most talented rivals.
Expert Opinion: Nough Studio faces the classic sequel paradox: they must innovate enough to justify a new entry while preserving the elements that made the original beloved. Their success will likely hinge on expanding the unique mechanical innovations of Lies of P rather than simply offering more content. If the team can maintain their creative courage while leveraging their now-proven technical capabilities, the sequel has strong potential to establish Lies of P as a genuine franchise rather than a one-time success story.
