Poncle, the developer behind Vampire Survivors, is expanding its operations into Japan

A Vampire Survivors player stands still, a horde of enemies being kept at bay by area of effect weapons that continually damage them as they approach

Luc Galante, the brains behind Vampire Survivors and the founder of Poncle, is set to collaborate with Crim leader Sawaki Takeyasu to launch a new studio in Japan.

Speaking with Famitsu, as documented by Gematsu, Galante shared his ambition to establish a presence in Japan, inspired by his deep-rooted appreciation for Japanese gaming and his positive experiences in the country.

Galante has been a long-time admirer of Takeyasu's contributions, noting that the name 'Poncle' draws inspiration from Okami, where Takeyasu was involved as a character designer.

Reportedly, Takeyasu will assist the new studio's integration into the Japanese market, with an emphasis on crafting games that reflect the team’s creative desires while focusing on player engagement and inclusivity, as reported by Gematsu.

Future projects may arise from different international teams working independently; however, collaborative efforts across regions are not off the table. Galante hinted that Japan’s studio could potentially develop an exclusive title down the line.

Takeyasu aims to fuel a studio driven by enthusiasm rather than prevailing market trends, offering budding developers a chance irrespective of their age or experience. Additionally, he aspires to elevate the profile of Vampire Survivors in Japan and encourage creators to explore innovative concepts through smaller projects.

Poncle has expressed interest in forming a studio in Italy as well.

In late 2024, Poncle launched a new publishing branch. The initiative aims to function not as a conventional publisher seeking intellectual property but more akin to a label offering support, empowering creators to develop their games.