Megaten, The Matrix, and Now Jun: Talking with Ysbryd Games' CEO About the Cult Classics "Demonschool" and "LOVE ETERNAL" [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/637/G063768/20250929002/
Editorial Department: Junpoco | 2025/09/29 03:38 (UTC)
Ysbryd Games is an indie game publisher based in the UK and Singapore.
It has previously published titles such as “VA-11 Hall-A” and “World of Horror”, gaining attention from a niche group of indie gamers seeking distinctive, bold games※.
※Incidentally, Japan publishing rights for both titles mentioned above are handled by PLAYISM—a publisher known for its own unique and edgy game lineup.
Ysbryd Games’ next releases include the tactical RPG “Demonschool,” developed by Necrosoft Games, and the high-difficulty 2D action title “LOVE ETERNAL,” currently in development by brlka.
Thumbnail image for Gallery No. 016 / Megaten, The Matrix, Toshio Masuda… Talking to the CEO of Ysbryd Games about what resonates with fans: “Demonschool” and “LOVE ETERNAL” [TGS2025] Thumbnail image for Gallery No. 010 / Megaten, The Matrix, Toshio Masuda… Talking to the CEO of Ysbryd Games about what resonates with fans: “Demonschool” and “LOVE ETERNAL” [TGS2025]
For detailed information on each title, please refer to our coverage from the “BitSummit Drift” booth report. As with “VA-11 Hall-A” and “World of Horror,” there are clear shared elements in style and atmosphere—elements familiar to Japanese gamers through games, manga, and anime.
These two titles, which have drawn particular interest among Japanese gamers, were exhibited at the Neon Noroshi booth during Tokyo Game Show 2025. We interviewed Brian Kwek, founder of Ysbryd Games, who was present at the event. Here’s what he shared about his impressions of TGS 2025, reactions from Japanese fans, and his hopes for these games.
Official Website of Ysbryd Games
Related Articles
PCXbox Series X|SXbox OnePS5PS4Nintendo SwitchEvent
Reporting on Ysbryd Games’ diverse titles at TGS 2025: From charming puzzle games to high-difficulty gravity-reversal platformers
The indie game event “BitSummit Drift” took place from July 19 to 21, 2024, at Miyako Messe in Kyoto. In this article, we’ll be delivering our hands-on reports on the Ysbryd Games titles showcased there: “Everdeep Aurora,” “LOVE ETERNAL,” and “Demonschool.”
[July 20, 2024, 15:45]
- Keywords:
- PC
- PC: Everdeep Aurora
- Action
- Nautilus Games
- Ysbryd Games
- Nintendo Switch: Everdeep Aurora
- PC: LOVE ETERNAL
- Nintendo Switch: Demonschool
- Nintendo Switch
- PC: Demonschool
- PS5: Demonschool
- PS5
- PS4: Demonschool
- PS4
- Xbox Series X|S: Demonschool
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox One: Demonschool
- Xbox One
- Writer: Shinya Yajimoto
- BitSummit2024
- BitSummit
- Event
Brian Kwek (photo taken during our 2023 TGS interview) Thumbnail image for Gallery No. 004 / Megaten, The Matrix, Toshio Masuda… Talking to the CEO of Ysbryd Games about what resonates with fans: “Demonschool” and “LOVE ETERNAL” [TGS2025]
4Gamer:
You’ve participated in various Japanese game events like TGS and BitSummit before. How did you feel about the reception this time?
Brian Kwek:
The feedback from players who tried them was excellent.
Japan has long had a culture centered on story-driven games, so our emphasis on storytelling—something we deeply value—is very much in tune with what Japanese audiences appreciate.
Our own works are clearly influenced by Japanese games, manga, and anime (laughs). “Demonschool” draws from Atlus’ RPGs such as “Shin Megami Tensei,” “Persona 3: Reload”, and “Devil Survivor”, along with titles like “Valkyria Chronicles.”
Meanwhile, “LOVE ETERNAL” is built on the foundation of high-difficulty platformers like “Celeste,” but also incorporates horror elements inspired by games such as “Silent Hill” and works directed by Toshio Masuda.
It’s especially rewarding when Japanese players pick up on these nuances—precisely what we hoped for. The visitors at TGS responded to our games just as deeply, which made us very happy.
4Gamer:
What is the current development status of these titles?
Brian Kwek:
Both games have already completed their core content. We’re now in the final polishing phase, handling last-minute adjustments and certification procedures.
Originally scheduled for a September release, “Demonschool” faced some timing challenges—there was another major indie title released at the start of that month.
4Gamer:
Ah yes… you mean that big release right at the beginning of September? And even after TGS started, more significant titles were officially launched.
Brian Kwek:
Exactly (laughs). Due to these factors, we reconsidered our release timing. We’ve now decided to launch on November 20th—including new content originally planned for post-launch updates like an additional ending.
4Gamer:
To reiterate, what makes each title special—could you share a message for readers of this article who are interested in gaming?
Brian Kwek:
“Demonschool” was designed to be a lively and fast-paced tactical RPG.
People often say it feels like “Persona,” but beyond that series, there’s also strong influence from Sega Saturn-era games—specifically “Black Matrix,” one example among many. I believe Japanese players will enjoy the blend of nostalgia for those older titles combined with fresh new elements we’ve brought to life.
Meanwhile, “LOVE ETERNAL” may appear at first glance to be just another high-difficulty platformer. But beneath the surface lies a wealth of clever design elements.
I can’t go into details without spoilers—but those familiar with our previous works like “VA-11 Hall-A” and “World of Horror”, published by our studio, will surely recognize our signature style. We hope they’ll trust in our taste—and ultimately be satisfied (laughs).
Thumbnail image for Gallery No. 006 / Megaten, The Matrix, Toshio Masuda… Talking to the CEO of Ysbryd Games about what resonates with fans: “Demonschool” and “LOVE ETERNAL” [TGS2025] Thumbnail image for Gallery No. 007 / Megaten, The Matrix, Toshio Masuda… Talking to the CEO of Ysbryd Games about what resonates with fans: “Demonschool” and “LOVE ETERNAL” [TGS2025]
We all—myself included—are developers who grew up playing Japanese games.
That shared background creates a strong connection between us and our audience in Japan.
Of course, we’ve been influenced by games from around the world—but the Japanese sensibility remains a central pillar of our work. So it would be wonderful if Japanese gamers found these titles interesting.
4Gamer:
Thank you very much.