Castlevania Belmont's Curse, a new entry in the long-dormant Castlevania video game series, is set to release on October 15th for the PS5, Xbox Series, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Evil Empire in partnership with Konami, the game seeks to respect the legacy of the Castlevania franchise while introducing fresh ideas to both longtime fans and new players. The project marks a return to the series after a long hiatus, with Evil Empire's lead designer, Sandro Bordier, stating that the team had direct access to Konami's resources, which they described as "the Bible" for the project. This access allowed them to consult with Konami on lore and character development, ensuring the game aligns with the established Castlevania universe. Despite this close collaboration, Evil Empire was granted significant creative freedom, particularly in designing the game's bestiary—the collection of enemies players will face. Both classic and new enemies were included, with Konami's approval. The team noted that Konami was open to innovation, with Evil Empire's marketing director, Bérenger Dupré, citing examples where Konami encouraged more creative interpretations. One such example was reimagining Joan of Arc as a "fiery shonen warrior," a style commonly seen in Japanese action manga and anime. Bordier emphasized that the team's focus was on understanding the Castlevania license rather than strictly following rules, a sentiment that Dupré also echoed. The game blends traditional elements of the Castlevania series—such as its gothic horror setting and challenging combat—with modern innovations aimed at appealing to a wide audience. The collaboration with Konami ensured that the game would respect the series' history while allowing Evil Empire to push creative boundaries. This balance between honoring the past and embracing new ideas is central to the game's development. Evil Empire's approach reflects a careful attempt to revitalize the Castlevania brand without alienating its core fanbase. By combining Konami's deep knowledge of the franchise with the studio's own creative vision, Castlevania Belmont's Curse aims to offer a fresh yet familiar experience for players. The game's release date has generated anticipation among fans, who are eager to see how the series will evolve in its return to the gaming world.