Key information
At TGS2026, developers from MyACG Studio, FuRyu, and Team Tapas discussed the development of their respective action roguelite titles: Cinderia, Crymelight, and Witch's Garden. All three games feature a dark yet cute aesthetic, though their design philosophies differ significantly.
The developers highlighted how the roguelite genre allows for efficient production, as assets can be reused across multiple runs. While Xiao Yu of Cinderia and Kim Min-su of Witch's Garden emphasized cost-effectiveness, Takumi Isobe of Crymelight noted that his team chose the genre to integrate narrative loops, where repeated deaths are essential to the storytelling and character development.
Regarding balance, Isobe explained that Crymelight uses a poker-based system where probability dictates difficulty, while Kim noted that Witch's Garden offers difficulty settings and optional invincibility frames to accommodate varying skill levels. Xiao Yu argued that balance is less critical than providing meaningful choices, often adjusting game parameters by simulating how less experienced players might select sub-optimal skills.
The developers acknowledged the significant influence of Hades on the genre's popularity and narrative integration. While Cinderia is currently in early access on Steam, the discussion highlighted the growing international interest in indie roguelites and the unique approaches taken by teams in China, Japan, and South Korea to engage their respective player bases.
