Source: NEOWIZ

NEOWIZ announced on the 23rd that it has signed a publishing agreement for 'Wind Up Deadman,' a new title currently in development by the Korean indie developer Sainnuts Studio.

Wind Up Deadman is a narrative-driven CRPG (computer role-playing game, characterized by text-heavy storytelling and psychological depth) set in a 'cassette futurism' world that blends 80s analog cassette tape aesthetics with futuristic imagination. The story follows survivors who have lost their memories after a bio-catastrophe, living in a lone container tower in the desert and relying on a single cassette tape to hold onto their past. Much like the act of winding up a cassette tape, the protagonist, Zephyr, tracks down his lost history while his soul is tethered to a robot. The game features pixel art graphics that evoke a retro sensibility.

The developer, Sainnuts Studio, is a Korean indie studio known for delivering engaging role-playing experiences through unique world-building and deep storytelling. Their previous mobile RPG, 'Metro Blossom,' was recognized for its quality, including being named a Top 10 winner at the 2021 Google Play Indie Games Festival. The studio has also demonstrated the potential for IP expansion beyond gaming by publishing the spin-off novel 'Apocalypse Coffee,' which takes place 13 years after the events of the game.

Through this partnership, NEOWIZ aims to secure a global IP with long-term growth potential, moving beyond short-term release goals. Wind Up Deadman was highly evaluated for its potential to build a dedicated global fanbase, thanks to its distinctive world and immersive narrative. NEOWIZ expects to create significant synergy by combining this with its own global publishing expertise, which has already successfully launched million-selling indie titles such as 'Skul: The Hero Slayer' and 'Shape of Dreams.

A NEOWIZ representative stated that through this collaboration, the company will bring the deep narrative and role-playing experience of Wind Up Deadman to global gamers, adding that NEOWIZ will continue its efforts to secure unique IPs that grow in value over time.