According to KitGuru.net, Poncle, the studio behind the hit game Vampire Survivors, is developing a direct spin-off titled Vampire Crawlers. The new game incorporates deck-building mechanics into what’s being called a ‘turboturn’ system. The first free demo will be available during the Steam Next Fest in February, with an Xbox demo following on February 23rd. Vampire Crawlers will feature customizable cards and a fast-paced loop that stacks player inputs for chaotic, speedy rounds. Upon release, it will launch on PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and iOS/Android devices. No specific launch date has been set yet.
Poncle’s Gamble
This is a fascinating move. Vampire Survivors basically created and then dominated its own micro-genre of auto-shooter bullet heaven games. And now, instead of just making Vampire Survivors 2, they’re pivoting hard into deck-building. It’s a smart way to leverage the brand while trying something genuinely different. But here’s the thing: the deckbuilder space is already incredibly crowded with giants like Slay the Spire and recent hits like Balatro. Can a ‘turboturn’ mechanic—where you queue moves without waiting for animations—be the hook that makes it stand out? I think it might. It seems like they’re trying to capture that same “one more run” feeling, but through card combos instead of weapon evolutions.
Winners and Potential Losers
The immediate winner is, obviously, the massive Vampire Survivors fanbase getting a free demo to try. It’s a low-risk way for Poncle to gauge interest. If the demo pops off during Steam Next Fest, the hype will be real. The losers? Possibly other indie deckbuilders launching around the same time. Getting overshadowed by a name as big as Vampire Survivors is a real risk. Also, the multi-platform day-one launch is huge. It signals Poncle has serious backing and confidence now, which is a big step up from Vampire Survivors’ humble beginnings. They’re not just a PC curiosity anymore; they’re a full-fledged studio with a hit franchise.
The Addiction Question
KitGuru’s closing question is the right one: will it capture the same magic? The core loop sounds different, but the goal is identical—create that addictive, chaotic, power-fantasy feedback loop. Customizable cards could be a massive time-sink if done well. Basically, they’re swapping garlic and bible for cards and combos. The risk is that the “turboturn” speed might actually remove some of the tactile satisfaction of watching your build slowly dominate the screen. But if anyone understands the psychology of that perfect gameplay loop, it’s Poncle. I’m skeptical but very, very curious. The February demo can’t come soon enough.
