15 Games You Should Be Paying Attention To From The Latest Big Indie Showcase

Konami unveiled Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse at the third annual Triple-I Initiative showcase, a major event highlighting upcoming indie and indie-developed titles. The game is being developed by Motion Twin and Evil Empire, the studio behind the acclaimed roguelike Dead Cells, in collaboration with Konami.

A new trailer showcased the game’s combat mechanics and exploration-focused gameplay set in historic locations including Notre Dame, where players will face off against Joan of Arc. The protagonist is a whip-wielding member of the Belmont clan—hinted to be a female character, with developers making clear she is “definitely not Sonia.” The game features a classic Belmont aesthetic and action-platformer gameplay.

Konami has been cautious about describing the game, labeling it a “2D exploration action game” rather than using the term “metroidvania,” partly due to not owning the Metroid franchise. However, the focus on exploration-based platforming and the developers’ behind-the-scenes commentary indicate the game follows a metroidvania structure, which has reassured fans concerned it might be a roguelike based on Evil Empire’s Dead Cells pedigree.

The Triple-I Initiative showcase, held Thursday, featured a variety of exciting releases beyond Castlevania, including a new entry in the Don’t Starve series and other impressive independent titles. The event underscores the growing prominence of indie-developed games and partnerships between independent studios and major publishers like Konami.

15 Games You Should Be Paying Attention To From The Latest Big Indie Showcase

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