From Round8 to Nough: Inside the Studio Redefining the South Korean Action RPG and the Path to the ‘Lies of P’ Sequel

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global game development, few studios have made as sudden and profound an impact in recent years as the South Korean team behind the critically acclaimed Soulslike Lies of P. Originally operating under the moniker Round8 Studio—a subsidiary of publisher Neowiz—the developer has officially rebranded as Nough.

To mark this new era, the studio has released a comprehensive 16-minute mini-documentary titled NOUGH Studio | Games by Gamers. The film offers an intimate look at the studio’s internal culture, the creative breakthroughs that defined Lies of P, the development of its highly praised Overture expansion, and the team’s uncompromising ambitions for their next major project: an unannounced, fully in-production sequel.

Main Facts: The Rebrand, the Philosophy, and the Documentary

The transition from Round8 Studio to Nough represents more than a simple aesthetic facelift; it is a declaration of the studio’s core development philosophy. According to the studio, the name "Nough" is a portmanteau of "Not Enough"—a title chosen to reflect the team’s insatiable desire for self-improvement and their refusal to grow complacent. Operating under the motto "Games by Gamers," Nough aims to preserve the creative independence and player-centric focus that characterized their previous work while scaling up their operations for future endeavors.

Key Revelations from the Mini-Documentary:

• The Rebrand Identity: Nough continues to operate as a subsidiary of Neowiz, carrying forward the development team that built Lies of P. The name symbolizes an ongoing pursuit of perfection, signaling that their current achievements are "not enough" compared to their ultimate creative goals.
• Sequel in Active Production: While concrete details, a release window, and an official title remain under wraps, Nough confirmed that the sequel to Lies of P is in full production.
• "Game Day" Testing Methodology: The documentary highlights a unique, studio-wide playtesting initiative that directly influences game design. At key milestones, the entire studio halts normal work to play the current build and provide feedback.
• The Impact of Feedback: This rigorous internal testing directly shaped Lies of P’s post-launch difficulty balance and led to substantial narrative and structural overhauls for their highly regarded Overture expansion.

Chronology: The Rise of a Soulslike Powerhouse

To understand Nough’s current position, it is essential to trace the studio’s trajectory from a relatively unknown subsidiary to a globally recognized leader in the action-RPG genre.

[2021: Project Announcement] ──> [Gamescom 2022: Global Spotlight] ──> [Sept 2023: Lies of P Launches] ──> [Late 2023–2024: Overture DLC & Success] ──> [Present: Rebrand to Nough & Sequel Production]

1. The Genesis and Announcement (2021)

Before Lies of P, Round8 Studio was primarily known for its work on Bless Unleashed, an MMORPG that met with mixed results. Recognizing a shifting global market, the studio pivoted toward premium, single-player console and PC experiences. In 2021, they announced Lies of P, a dark fantasy reimagining of Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio, set in the Belle Époque-inspired city of Krat.

2. The Gamescom Breakthrough (2022)

Lies of P captured the industry’s attention at Gamescom 2022, where it took home three major awards, including "Best Action Adventure Game" and "Best Role Playing Game." This marked the first time a South Korean console game had achieved such prominence at the event, shifting global expectations.

3. Release and Critical Acclaim (September 2023)

Lies of P launched on September 19, 2023, to widespread critical acclaim. Critics praised its polished combat mechanics, intricate level design, and the innovative "Weapon Assembly" system. The game quickly surpassed one million units sold within its first month, cementing the studio’s status as a premier developer in the challenging "Soulslike" subgenre.

4. The Rebrand and the Next Chapter (Present)

Following the success of the base game and the rollout of the Overture expansion, the studio initiated its rebrand to Nough. Today, the studio is entirely focused on leveraging their refined development methodologies to deliver a sequel that surpasses its predecessor in both scale and quality.

Supporting Data: Internal Methodologies and Critical Reception

Nough’s rapid rise can be attributed to a highly disciplined, data-driven approach to game development and quality assurance. The mini-documentary sheds light on the specific internal practices that have allowed the studio to maintain a high level of polish.

The "Game Day" Framework

Rather than relying solely on external QA teams, Nough employs a democratic internal testing model.

This internal loop has yielded tangible results. For example, the feedback gathered during "Game Days" directly led to the implementation of Lies of P’s post-launch difficulty adjustments, ensuring the game remained challenging yet accessible. Furthermore, the Overture expansion underwent significant narrative shifts and level cuts based on internal critiques, ultimately resulting in a tighter, more cohesive experience that received widespread praise from players and critics alike.

Market and Critical Reception

While some initial reviews—such as PC Gamer’s 74% review—expressed minor reservations about the game’s strict adherence to FromSoftware’s established formula, the broader critical consensus was overwhelmingly positive, with the game maintaining an aggregate score in the mid-80s on Metacritic. The subsequent release of the Overture expansion further solidified the franchise’s reputation, with critics and community members praising it as a masterclass in DLC design.

Official Responses: The Vision of Nough’s Leadership

The mini-documentary features candid insights from key creative figures at Nough, outlining their personal ambitions and their promises to the player community.

Combat Director Lee Jeonghyeon emphasized the team’s singular focus on mechanical excellence:

"From the very start, my goal has been to create the world’s greatest action game. And we’re getting there, one step at a time."

Overall Director Choi Jiwon spoke at length about the symbiotic relationship between developers and players, highlighting the importance of authenticity in development:

"The players can always tell. As a gamer myself, I know they can tell when a game has been made with real dedication."

Addressing the high expectations surrounding the upcoming sequel, Choi urged fans to remain patient, promising that the studio’s transition to the new name would only yield a better final product:

"We’re giving everything we have to make it the best it can be. So please wait just a little bit longer. We won’t let you down. I promise."

Implications: A New Era for South Korean Game Development

The rebranding of Round8 to Nough and their continued transparency carry significant implications for the studio, their upcoming sequel, and the broader video game industry.

1. Elevating the Sequel’s Ambitions

By openly stating that their previous achievements are "not enough," Nough has set an incredibly high bar for the Lies of P sequel. Players can expect a game that attempts to expand upon the core mechanics of the original—such as the Weapon Assembly system and the "P-Organ" upgrade tree—while potentially exploring new narrative horizons. The post-credits scene of the original game famously teased a connection to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, suggesting that Nough’s next title may weave multiple classic fairy tales into its dark, gothic universe.

2. Redefining South Korea’s Presence in the Global Market

For years, the South Korean gaming sector was primarily associated with free-to-play MMORPGs, mobile titles, and competitive multiplayer games. The success of Lies of P, alongside other recent titles like Shift Up’s Stellar Blade, signals a major paradigm shift. South Korean studios are proving they can compete at the highest level of premium, single-player console and PC game development. Nough’s rise serves as a blueprint for other domestic studios looking to diversify into the global premium market.

3. The Power of "Games by Gamers"

Nough’s commitment to internal "Game Days" and milestone streaming highlights a growing trend of collaborative, studio-wide QA. By breaking down the silos between different development departments and encouraging every employee to participate as an active player, Nough has managed to avoid many of the design pitfalls and optimization issues that plague modern high-budget releases.

As Nough moves forward with the production of the Lies of P sequel, the industry will be watching closely to see if this "Not Enough" philosophy can once again capture lightning in a bottle.