SWERY and Goichi Suda's New Project "Hotel Barcelona" Stage Report: A Love Letter to Horror Films Packed with Diverse Movie References [TGS2025]

Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/802/G080238/20250926042/

| 2025/09/26 07:26 (UTC)

The largest gaming event in Japan, Tokyo Game Show 2025, kicked off on September 25, 2025, featuring booths not only from publishers and developers but also various companies and organizations involved in the gaming industry. One such booth is ours: 4Gamer’s (Booth 02-C15).

The 4Gamer TGS 2025 stage event schedule can be found here
Thumbnail image No.001 / Stage report on SWERY and Suda 51’s new title “Hotel Barcelona,” a love letter to horror films packed with diverse movie references [TGS2025]

Multiple demo stations were set up, but this year’s setup was especially elaborate with a dedicated stage. One of the events held there was a talk show and gameplay session featuring the new title “Hotel Barcelona”, developed by SWERY and Suda 51 (PC / PS5 / Xbox Series X|S). This time, SWERY himself took the stage to talk about the game’s appeal and the journey that led to its development.

Thumbnail image No.002 / Stage report on SWERY and Suda 51’s new title “Hotel Barcelona,” a love letter to horror films packed with diverse movie references [TGS2025]

Hidetaka SWERY SueHERO X (formerly Twitter) account

A new project began as flattery – behind-the-scenes story of the development of a title once doubted to exist

Before diving into the main topic, let’s briefly recap what we know so far. “Hotel Barcelona” is an “2.5D side-scrolling action” game set in a sinister hotel overrun by serial killers. Players take on the role of rookie security officer Justine as she strives to escape from the hotel.

Thumbnail image No.003 / Stage report on SWERY and Suda 51’s new title “Hotel Barcelona,” a love letter to horror films packed with diverse movie references [TGS2025]
Thumbnail image No.004 / Stage report on SWERY and Suda 51’s new title “Hotel Barcelona,” a love letter to horror films packed with diverse movie references [TGS2025]

At first glance, Justine appears to be a shy woman, but beneath her calm exterior resides the mad serial killer “Dr. Carnival.” When battle begins, this violent alter ego emerges. To survive, she must cooperate with the murderous personality within herself and eliminate all the killers lurking in the hotel.

One key gameplay feature is the “Slasher Phantom,” which manifests as a lingering echo of the player’s own dead body after death. Even when defeated, her past actions replay—similar to how “ghost” data works in racing games—and she fights alongside you. The game actually allows players to use their own deaths strategically to progress through stages.

Enemy blood is converted into a meter, and once filled, it triggers the ultimate move: awakening Dr. Carnival Thumbnail image No.005 / Stage report on SWERY and Suda 51’s new title “Hotel Barcelona,” a love letter to horror films packed with diverse movie references [TGS2025]

For reference, 4Gamer has previously published interviews with SWERY and Suda 51, as well as gameplay reports. Those interested in deepening their understanding of this title and its creators should definitely check them out.

PC
Xbox Series X|S
PS5
Play report

Review: “Hotel Barcelona,” a hardcore action game by SWERY × Suda 51, stands out with its system of teaming up with your past self and an overflowing love for horror films

The title “Hotel Barcelona,” first unveiled during the indie game showcase INDIE Live Expo 2024.5.25 on May 25, 2024, received fresh updates in this event. In this report, we present a hands-on preview of the version used for live gameplay commentary during the show, along with a mini-interview with developer SWERY.

[2024/05/30 17:20]

Back to the main topic. As the stage began, SWERY took the podium immediately. After briefly touching on basic game information, he shared behind-the-scenes stories about how development came to be.

Hidetaka SWERY of White Owls Thumbnail image No.006 / Stage report on SWERY and Suda 51’s new title “Hotel Barcelona,” a love letter to horror films packed with diverse movie references [TGS2025]

This game originated from a rather unusual circumstance—the result of some casual flattery by Suda 51 (hereafter, Suda). The “collaboration” teased at the “Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes” event in 2019 was actually this title. However, at that point, nothing had been finalized.

Only the name existed; whether actual production would proceed remained uncertain. Later, though, Suda proposed, “Let’s think about Hotel Barcelona,” and development officially began from there. The process—starting with just a title and filling in content afterward—exemplifies the freedom typical of indie game creation.

In terms of concrete workflow, it started with Suda crafting the broad world concept, which SWERY then used as a foundation to build the gameplay mechanics. SWERY emphasized that he “doesn’t decide on the genre upfront,” and in the end, the resulting system evolved into what could be described as a roguelike action game.

SWERY describes this title as a “love letter to horror films.” The game is packed with diverse elements from classic horror cinema, including subtle details in stage selection screens and backgrounds that will bring smiles to fans. Thumbnail image No.007 / Stage report on SWERY and Suda 51’s new title “Hotel Barcelona,” a love letter to horror films packed with diverse movie references [TGS2025]

For more details on these anecdotes, see our previously published interview article. It also touches upon broader perspectives about indie games—definitely worth checking out.

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PC
Xbox Series X|S
PS5
Interview

“I want to become as crazy as Suda-san!” – How suda51 and ‘Rou of Showa America Story’ talk about creating games by shaping only what you truly love, exactly how and as much as you like

I want to become as crazy as Suda-san!" – How suda51 and ‘Rou of Showa America Story’ talk about creating games by shaping only what you truly love, exactly how and as much as you like

Today’s games are often created for various reasons—due to market expansion and the increasing business-oriented aspects that come with it. Yet, in this era, there still exists creators who remain steadfast in their mission: simply making what they want to make.

[2025/04/21 07:00]

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Xbox Series X|S
PS5
Interview
Event

“Hotel Barcelona actually existed!” – Follow-up talk with SWERY on development status and the experience of attending or playing at game events [BitSummit]

Hotel Barcelona actually existed! – Follow-up talk with SWERY on development status and the experience of attending or playing at game events [BitSummit]

“Hotel Barcelona actually existed!”—a statement that made headlines during our previous interview. A year has passed since then, and in 2025 we had the chance to speak with SWERY again at BitSummit’s opening event. Our conversation expanded from the current status of this title to his reflections on what it truly means to attend or participate in game events—his “triumphant return” experience after touring various international events.

[2025/07/22 15:58]

Next, the discussion turned to actual gameplay footage and deeper insights into Hotel Barcelona’s content.

As a roguelike action title, the difficulty is quite high. SWERY himself admitted, “Even on Normal difficulty, you’ll die several times.” However, thanks to the Slasher Phantom mechanic, death isn’t fatal—it actually enhances your strategy. The key lies in repeatedly dying and refining your optimal approach.

Enemies are souls trapped within the hotel, and killing them is framed as a form of “soul liberation.” Justine’s sense of justice may find support in this very concept. Thumbnail image No.008 / Stage report on SWERY and Suda 51’s new title “Hotel Barcelona,” a love letter to horror films packed with diverse movie references [TGS2025]

This design isn’t just unique—it’s also a thoughtful consideration to prevent gameplay experience from being wasted. There are progression systems where resources gained through successful runs unlock upgrades, creating an accessible path toward mastery for persistent players.

However, the Slasher Phantom is limited to recording only four past versions of yourself, and since these phantoms can be targeted by enemies, enemy behavior changes significantly. Additionally, choosing different doors during stage progression alters available buffs—introducing elements that test both skill and knowledge.

The game’s attack mechanics are designed with significant rewards: in true slasher film fashion, Justine grows stronger the more blood she takes on. Thumbnail image No.009 / Stage report on SWERY and Suda 51’s new title “Hotel Barcelona,” a love letter to horror films packed with diverse movie references [TGS2025]
Thumbnail image No.010 / Stage report on SWERY and Suda 51’s new title “Hotel Barcelona,” a love letter to horror films packed with diverse movie references [TGS2025]

After concluding the gameplay demo, SWERY commented: “This game is a return to the tactile feel of arcade games, while incorporating all the storytelling techniques we’ve developed over the years.” Finally turning toward the broadcast camera, he delivered his signature closing line (or perhaps just a playful one): “Check and Destroy!”—and brought the stage to a close.

Thumbnail image No.010 / Stage report on SWERY and Suda 51’s new title “Hotel Barcelona,” a love letter to horror films packed with diverse movie references [TGS2025]

Hidetaka SWERY SueHERO X (formerly Twitter) account

A new project began as flattery – behind-the-scenes story of the development of a title once doubted to exist

Review: “Hotel Barcelona,” a hardcore action game by SWERY × Suda 51, stands out with its system of teaming up with your past self and an overflowing love for horror films

“I want to become as crazy as Suda-san!” – How suda51 and ‘Rou of Showa America Story’ talk about creating games by shaping only what you truly love, exactly how and as much as you like

“Hotel Barcelona actually existed!” – Follow-up talk with SWERY on development status and the experience of attending or playing at game events [BitSummit]

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