Fans of Miriam and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night may not have to wait much longer for news about its highly anticipated sequel. In Japanese media Famitsu‘s annual ‘Game Creators’ Aspirations for 2025′ feature, key developers from ArtPlay shared updates about their goals for the year ahead. Both the series producer and director might have hinted that an announcement for Bloodstained 2 could be coming soon.
Koji Igarashi, producer of Bloodstained and a legendary name in the Metroidvania genre, expressed his determination to unveil a ‘new work’ in 2025. While acknowledging various hurdles he and his team struggled through this year, Igarashi remains committed to moving forward.
“There have been so many things happening this year that I’ve been so busy,” he said. “I feel like I’m not making as much progress as I had planned.”
Then comes director Shutaro Iida’s aspirations for 2025, saying that he can’t wait to reveal Bloodstained 2 ‘as soon as possible.’ “We’re looking forward to unveiling the sequel to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night as soon as possible,” said Iida.
Diagnosed with cancer in October, Iida decided to step back from frontline duties, though he wants to remain involved. “I will be leading from the rear instead of fighting on the front lines,” Iida shared. “But I would like to continue leading from the hospital as long as I am still able to move.”
Hiroki Miyazawa took over as the director of the Curse of the Moon spinoffs, although there’s still no confirmation who’s helming Bloodstained 2 development.
Even before today, speculation about Bloodstained 2 has been rife. A rumor originating from 4chan suggests the sequel is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, featuring a more ambitious scope than its predecessor. Influenced by Final Fantasy VII Remake, the art style is reportedly receiving a reboot aimed at a broader audience. In spite of the rumored graphical overhaul, the gameplay will retain its signature Metroidvania roots, complemented by cinematic cutscenes.
According to the rumor, Bloodstained 2 is allegedly in the works for PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Development is said to begin in 2021 but was increased in 2023 and will be unveiled after updates for Ritual of the Night are complete. Right now, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is at Update 1.6 despite ArtPlay saying that Update 1.5 was supposed to be its final version.
