poncle is the UK-based developer of Vampire Survivors, currently preparing a Japan studio, releasing the Legacy of the Bloodmoon DLC, and running a blood donation campaign that gives away the game and DLC for free.
poncle, the UK-based developer of Vampire Survivors, has moved through a busy period in 2026, announcing a new Japan studio, a new DLC, and a charitable giveaway. The Japan studio, announced in June and planned to be established by the end of 2026, will be led by Sawaki Takeyasu, creator of El Shaddai, as representative director and president. Takeyasu had already collaborated with poncle on a crossover between his game Mythological Construction Star Note and Vampire Survivors and designed the package for the spin-off Vampire Crawlers.
The developer also revealed a new brand called SURVIVATON for future survivor-like games and introduced the Legacy of the Bloodmoon expansion. The DLC, which released on August 28, follows the Bloodmoon Clan and their search for their god Baal-Sazar. It adds over 10 characters, over 16 weapons, a large new stage called Redmoon Manor, and 8 music tracks. The expansion began as a small addition to the earlier Legacy of the Moonspell but grew into a standalone release.
In September, poncle announced that Vampire Survivors and the Legacy of the Bloodmoon DLC would be given away for free to anyone who donates blood or makes donations, with applications open until October 7. The game supports solo play and online co-op for up to four players and has surpassed 27 million total players.
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6d ago
Developer poncle announced on September 3 that it will give away Vampire Survivors and the new DLC Legacy of the Blood Moon for free to those who donate blood or make donations. The application period runs until October 7. The game is a top-down action title with roguelike elements, supporting solo play and online co-op for up to four players. Total player count has exceeded 27 million. The DLC, released on August 28, adds a new stage, over 10 characters, and over 16 weapons.
Aug 28
Vampire Survivors developer poncle will release the Legacy of the Bloodmoon DLC on August 28. The expansion follows the Bloodmoon Clan, a fanatical sect born from the Red Moon Order, and adds over 10 cursed characters, more than 16 new weapons, 8 music tracks, and the large stage Redmoon Manor.
Jun 9
poncle, the UK-based developer of Vampire Survivors, announced plans to establish a Japan studio by the end of 2026. Sawaki Takeyasu, the creator of El Shaddai and representative director of crim, will serve as the studio's representative director and president. Takeyasu announced the appointment on his X account on June 9, 2026, saying he would support poncle founder Luca Galante and the team while preparing the studio. The Japan studio aims to streamline communication with Japanese partners and create new collaboration opportunities. Takeyasu previously collaborated with poncle on a crossover between his game Mythological Construction Star Note and Vampire Survivors, and also created the package design for the spin-off Vampire Crawlers. Galante has said he grew up experiencing Takeyasu's work and felt honored that Takeyasu enjoyed Vampire Survivors enough to make a homage. The announcement coincides with the reveal of a new brand called SURVIVATON for future poncle survivor-like games, and a new expansion pack Legacy of the Bloodmoon for Vampire Survivors.
Jun 7
Developer poncle announced a water-themed free update and a new paid expansion for Vampire Survivors during the Future Games Show: Summer Showcase 2026 on June 7. The version 1.15 free update, titled The Lycaeum, adds a new stage of the same name, characters Para Kooleo and Big Troubler, fish-themed weapons, new bosses, and three types of Darkana. It also introduces multiple save slots and quality-of-life features like a character selection filter and a revive function for discarded stage items. The update is scheduled for release this summer. Separately, the paid expansion Legacy of the Bloodmoon will launch in summer 2026 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, iOS, and Android. It includes 12 new characters, over 16 weapons and evolutions, a new XL stage called Red Moon Mansion, and 8 new music tracks. The story follows the Blood Moon clan tracing the pilgrimage of Saint Baal Sazar. Poncle revealed that the expansion began as a small addition to the earlier Legacy of the Moonspell but grew into a standalone release. It will be priced around $1, with a corresponding price reduction for Legacy of the Moonspell.