Ron Gilbert, the legendary game designer and mastermind behind genre-defining classics like The Secret of Monkey Island and Maniac Mansion, has once again surprised the gaming world. Moving away from his signature point-and-click adventure genre, he has unveiled his next project: a fast-paced, vertically scrolling roguelike RPG titled Death by Scrolling. The announcement at Gamescom 2025’s Opening Night Live sent a ripple of excitement and curiosity through the community. This isn’t just a new game from a celebrated creator; it’s a completely new genre for Gilbert, and a concept that’s as quirky and unique as his humor. We’ve had a chance to dive into the details, and it’s clear that this is a game that defies easy classification, blending elements of classic RPGs, bullet hells, and his trademark wit.

The Concept: Fleeing the Reaper in Purgatory

The core premise of Death by Scrolling is both simple and chaotic. You find yourself in Purgatory, a place now “under new management,” and your only hope of escape is to collect 10,000 gold to pay the Ferryman. The problem? The screen is constantly scrolling upwards, and if you fall behind, a relentless Grim Reaper is there to ensure your demise. This ever-present threat of being crushed by the screen forces players into a non-stop, frantic race. You have to battle waves of quirky underworld monsters, dodge deadly traps, and collect gold, all while making split-second decisions about which path to take. This vertical-scrolling mechanic is not just a gimmick; it’s a central part of the game’s tension and design, creating a sense of urgency that is both thrilling and stressful.

• Constant Movement: The game’s core mechanic of a relentless upward-scrolling screen ensures there is never a dull moment. You are always on the move, forcing you to think on your feet.
• RPG Elements: Players can choose from a cast of different characters, each with their own perks and abilities. As you progress, you’ll find power-ups, complete side quests, and earn upgrades to aid you in your escape.
• Humorous Tone: Staying true to Gilbert’s style, the game is infused with a dark, tongue-in-cheek humor, with cheeky dialogues and a playful narration that contrasts with the constant threat of death.

A Long and Winding Road to Development

Gilbert himself has been open about the game’s long and somewhat difficult development history. In a candid blog post on his Grumpy Gamer blog, he revealed that the project began back in 2019 but was “ruined” after he tried to add too many complex RPG elements. The project was then put on hold as he worked on the highly acclaimed Return to Monkey Island. Following that project, he briefly attempted to create a sprawling open-world RPG, only to realize its scope was too ambitious for a small indie team. It was at this point that he returned to the core concept of Death by Scrolling, stripping out the “stupid stuff” and rebuilding it with a tighter, more focused design. This decision, made in collaboration with designer Elissa Black, has resulted in a game that feels cohesive and fun, a testament to Gilbert’s ability to refine and distill his creative vision.

The game is described as a blend of classic Zelda and the fast-paced action of Vampire Survivors, all wrapped in a top-down pixel art aesthetic. This combination promises a nostalgic feel with modern, addictive gameplay loops. With MicroProse on board as the publisher, Death by Scrolling is poised for a strong launch, with a Steam page already live for players to wishlist. While a firm release date is still “coming soon,” the fact that Gilbert is so enthusiastically sharing the project and its development journey gives fans reason to believe that the wait for this unique roguelike will not be as long as some of his past projects.

This shift from point-and-click puzzles to fast-paced action is a thrilling departure for Gilbert. It proves that even after decades in the industry, he is still willing to experiment and innovate. For fans of his classic work, Death by Scrolling offers a chance to experience his signature humor and design sensibility in a completely new light. For newcomers, it’s an exciting entry point into the world of a true gaming legend, offering a fresh, chaotic, and relentlessly entertaining experience.