Konami will release Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse on October 15, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Evil Empire and Motion Twin, the 2D action-exploration title follows Rose Belmont as she battles demonic forces in 15th-century Paris, marking the franchise’s first new entry since 2014.
A New Chapter in 15th-Century Paris
Set 23 years after the events of Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse, the upcoming title shifts the series’ focus to a new protagonist: Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades. According to reporting by IGN, the narrative begins with a summons to Paris, a city currently suffering under an unknown force that has turned the moon blood red and filled the streets with monsters. Rose’s journey is described as a direct follow-up to the story established in Dracula’s Curse, which also serves as the foundation for the Netflix animated series.
The game’s setting provides a backdrop for a series of encounters with historical and mythical figures.
Development Collaboration Between Evil Empire and Motion Twin
The project represents a significant collaboration between Konami and the studios behind Dead Cells. Evil Empire is leading development with supervision from Motion Twin. Gameplay impressions suggest a distinct influence from the developers’ previous work.
During a preview, IGN observed that Rose’s movement and animation feel reminiscent of Dead Cells, featuring a versatile whip that serves as both a traversal tool and a combat instrument. Players can utilize the whip to grapple, pull themselves toward enemies, and execute unique attacks based on their equipped weapon, which includes options like longswords and Cestus gauntlets.
Stance on Generative AI Tools
In response to questions regarding the use of generative AI in the game’s production, the development team has confirmed that no such tools were employed. During an interview in Paris, Game Informer reports that creative director Emmanuel Nouaille emphasized the importance of human creation in the project.
“To answer the question of the game, no AI. It was very important to respect this direction for the team, for the fans, for the industry. For the moment, what is important is to have a real creation. To have our soul in the game.”
Emmanuel Nouaille, Creative Director at Evil Empire
Konami producer Tsutomu Taniguchi also clarified the publisher’s position, stating, From Konami’s point, you know, we haven’t used AI. And we don’t know what’s going to happen next, but we don’t really have a stance on it.
Platform Availability and Release Timeline
While early announcements left the Nintendo Switch release timing uncertain, Konami confirmed that the platform will receive the game simultaneously with other versions. The official Japanese Castlevania social media account confirmed an October 15, 2026, global release date for the Switch, aligning it with the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC launch. Physical reservations opened in Japan on July 17, 2026, with digital pre-order details to follow.
The release marks the first new entry in the franchise since Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 in 2014.
Worth a look