The Shadow of Success: How Nough Studio is Navigating the Weight of the Lies of P Sequel

When an independent title achieves the kind of critical and commercial stratosphere that Neowiz’s Lies of P reached in 2023, it creates a unique, often daunting phenomenon: the "sophomore curse." Much like a breakout band facing the pressure of a follow-up album or a filmmaker tasked with topping a career-defining debut, the team at Nough Studio (formerly Round8 Studio) finds itself at a crossroads. Following a banner year that saw Lies of P secure multiple industry accolades and cement its status as a premier Soulslike, the developer has confirmed that a sequel is firmly in production.

However, as the development cycle matures, the narrative within the studio has shifted from the joy of creation to the heavy burden of expectation. Three years on from the original game’s conception, the team is no longer building from a blank slate—they are building from a pedestal.

The Weight of Expectation: From Outsiders to Industry Titans

In the gaming industry, there is a palpable distinction between the "hopeful" phase of development and the "proven" phase. For Nough Studio, the release of Lies of P transformed them from a studio chasing recognition to one that defines the genre.

"Back then, attending an awards ceremony or standing on that stage felt like something that happened to other people," says narrative director Kwon Byungsoo in a recent documentary feature released by the studio. "I used to think, ‘I wish I could stand there someday.’ Now, the sentiment has evolved into a different kind of intensity. We find ourselves thinking, ‘We have to do even better next time. How much better do we need to be?’"

This shift in perspective is common among high-performing teams, but it carries a specific risk. When a project is born from the "blank slate" mentality—where the goal is simply to create something functional and engaging—the developers are liberated by their own lack of reputation. Now, the developers are fighting the internal pressure to iterate without losing the identity that made Lies of P a fan favorite.

Chronology of a Breakthrough

To understand the pressure facing the sequel, one must look at the meteoric rise of the original project:

• 2020-2021: The Early Reveal: Nough Studio unveiled the initial concept for Lies of P, capturing immediate attention with its dark, gothic reimagining of the Pinocchio fable set within the sprawling, mechanical city of Krat.
• September 2023: The Global Launch: The game officially launched, receiving widespread acclaim for its tight, methodical combat, intricate weapon-assembly system, and high-fidelity visuals. It was widely touted as the most successful attempt by a non-FromSoftware developer to capture the "Souls" magic.
• Late 2023: The Awards Circuit: The title secured multiple nominations and wins, including recognition for its art direction and narrative. During this period, the studio confirmed that a sequel was in early development.
• 2024-2025: Deep Development: The team transitioned into the "middle years" of production, focusing on expanding the world-building and refining the combat mechanics that defined the first game.
• 2026 and Beyond: The studio continues to emphasize that while they are feeling the heat, the core team remains focused on the "guiding light" of their original creative vision.

The Competitive Landscape: Standing Out in a Crowded Genre

The Soulslike genre has exploded in popularity over the last five years, moving from a niche subset of Action RPGs to a mainstream powerhouse. Today, Nough Studio is not just competing against their own legacy; they are competing against heavy hitters like Black Myth: Wukong, the Nioh franchise, and Lords of the Fallen.

Industry veterans and analysts often cite Lies of P as the "gold standard" for non-FromSoftware Soulslikes. This consensus creates a high bar for the sequel. If the original game was praised for its adherence to the genre’s established tropes—punishing combat, environmental storytelling, and cryptic lore—the sequel is expected to innovate. Fans are no longer satisfied with a "good Soulslike"; they are now looking for a "pioneering Soulslike" that pushes the genre forward in ways that even Elden Ring or Dark Souls haven’t explored.

Official Responses: The Philosophy of "Holding On"

The leadership team at Nough Studio has been remarkably transparent about the psychological toll of their success. The consensus within the studio is that while they recognize the need for innovation, they must not abandon the "spirit" of the first game.

"When we first started, we were building from a completely blank slate," notes Kwon Byungsoo. "We kept asking ourselves just how far we could go. Now, Lies of P is our starting point. The question now is how much more we can build from here."

Art lead Cha Byungjun offers a grounding perspective on the internal culture of the studio: "There’s definitely pressure, but for now, we’re trying to set that aside and return to the mindset we had while making the first game. We’re trying to hold onto it."

This philosophy of "holding on" suggests that the sequel will likely retain the aesthetic DNA of Krat—the Victorian-inspired, steampunk-infused horror—while introducing new mechanics. Director Choi Juwon echoes this sentiment, noting that the entire team is currently in a state of deep reflection. "When I look at the team now, everyone is seriously thinking about how we can do even better. They seem to be grappling with the same questions I am. Our drive to push ourselves further has only grown stronger."

Implications for the Future of the Franchise

What does this mean for the players eagerly awaiting the next entry?

1. Iterative Refinement vs. Radical Change: Given the studio’s focus on "holding onto" their original mindset, it is unlikely that the sequel will reinvent the combat wheel. Instead, we can expect a deeper, more refined combat system, perhaps expanding on the "Weapon Assembly" feature that was a standout in the original title.
2. Narrative Expansion: Having established the world of Krat and its unique lore, the sequel has the freedom to move away from the direct retelling of the Pinocchio story and into something more expansive. The implications for the story are vast, potentially shifting the scale from a city-wide struggle to something involving the broader world created by the puppets and the alchemists.
3. The "Soulslike" Identity: The sequel will serve as a litmus test for the genre. If Nough Studio can successfully balance the demands of a high-budget sequel with the indie-spirit of their first success, they will solidify their position as the primary challenger to FromSoftware’s dominance.

Conclusion: The Quiet Before the Storm

The pressure to succeed is an inevitable byproduct of artistic excellence. Nough Studio stands at a unique junction where they have earned the right to be called masters of their craft, but they are also burdened by the knowledge that their next move will be scrutinized by a global audience.

As development continues, the story of the Lies of P sequel is not just about the game itself—it is about the evolution of a development studio. By grappling with the weight of their own history, the creators are forced to define what, exactly, makes a game special. If they can manage to bottle that lightning once more, the Lies of P sequel will not just be another entry in the genre; it will be a defining moment for the studio and a testament to the idea that, in the world of game development, the most difficult challenge is often outdoing yourself.

As we look toward the future of the genre in 2026 and beyond, the eyes of the gaming world remain fixed on Nough Studio. Whether they lean into the mechanics that made them famous or pivot toward new, untested innovations, one thing is clear: the team is not looking for the easy path. They are looking for the next evolution, one that promises to be as haunting and memorable as the first chapter in the story of Pinocchio.