By Sagar V. Mankar 
The popular indie game Vampire Survivors, created by developer Poncle [also known as Luca Galante], is set to be adapted into a live-action film. Since its release in late 2022, the game has gained immense popularity for its engaging gameplay and nostalgic pixel graphics. However, adapting this title into a movie comes with its own set of challenges, primarily because the game lacks a structured plot.
Developer Poncle confirmed the film adaptation in a recent Steam post. The project is being developed in collaboration with Story Kitchen, a company known for adapting video games for the screen. While the developer is excited about the venture, they acknowledge the difficulty of creating a compelling story for a game that doesn’t have one. “Nobody can really anticipate how a film about it will be,” Poncle stated. Despite this, they see the unpredictability as part of the excitement and promise to take their time to ensure the adaptation is done right.
For those unfamiliar with the game, Vampire Survivors is a roguelike shoot-’em-up that challenges players to survive endless waves of enemies while upgrading their weapons and abilities. Its simple yet highly engaging mechanics have drawn a diverse audience, earning the game significant acclaim and financial success. According to the Steam Revenue Calculator, the title has generated approximately $55.8 million in gross revenue. It has also won major accolades, including Action Game of the Year at the 2023 D.I.C.E. Awards and the Breakthrough Award at the 2022 Golden Joystick Awards.
The live-action film is just one of several expansions for the Vampire Survivors universe. Poncle has hinted at additional “cross-media” projects, with more updates expected in 2025. Although the game will see fewer updates moving forward, these updates will be more substantial. One highly anticipated feature arriving in 2025 is cross-save functionality, a long-awaited addition for the game’s dedicated fanbase.
In October 2024, the game released its most significant DLC to date, Ode to Castlevania. This crossover with Konami’s legendary Castlevania franchise added over 10 hours of new gameplay. Players could explore a new map, battle familiar bosses, and unlock 40 new weapons, 20 characters, and 30 music tracks. Neil Newbon, known for voicing Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, lent his voice to Dracula. Fans and critics praised the update, which allowed players to embody iconic Castlevania characters like Trevor Belmont, Simon Belmont, and Alucard.
While a sequel is not currently in development, Poncle believes new content and mechanics can keep the game fresh for years.
Source: Steam