Koji Igarashi, the acclaimed producer behind the legendary Castlevania series and founder of ArtPlay, is once again drawing the attention of the gaming world with the upcoming release of Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement.
As a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night—which revitalized the Metroidvania genre on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and eShop—The Scarlet Engagement is set to continue Igarashi’s tradition of captivating, exploration-driven gameplay.
Known for his tireless dedication to the craft, Igarashi has long been a prominent figure in video game development, with a pedigree that includes iconic titles like Symphony of the Night, Aria of Sorrow, and Order of Ecclesia during his tenure at Konami.
However, in a recent interview with Famitsu, Igarashi reflected on the personal sacrifices that often come with this level of professional commitment.
In discussing his goals for 2026, Igarashi candidly acknowledged the importance of maintaining a healthier work-life balance following a challenging year.
He stated, in effect, that alongside his primary objective of releasing Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, he recognizes the need to make lifestyle changes and prioritize his well-being after multiple hospitalizations in 2025.
"I'm committed to making positive lifestyle changes and taking greater care of my health," Igarashi explained, emphasizing that his health will be a significant part of his plans as he completes development on the new title. Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is poised to build on the innovative mechanics and atmospheric storytelling that fans have come to expect from Igarashi and the team at ArtPlay.
With the previous installment, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, selling over one million copies worldwide and securing a strong foothold on the Nintendo Switch and other platforms, expectations are high for this next chapter.
The return of core Metroidvania elements—crafted under Igarashi’s experienced leadership—has energized a dedicated community of fans and inspired a resurgence of the genre across the industry. The project also reunites Igarashi with Shutaro Iida, another Castlevania veteran and creative director of Scarlet Engagement, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Given the well-publicized health challenges faced by both leads, there is a tremendous sense of anticipation and empathy from industry peers and fans alike, wishing for improved fortunes in 2026 for everyone involved. As anticipation builds for Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement’s projected 2026 release, the commitment of Igarashi and his team to both creative excellence and personal well-being stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of game development.
Gamers can look forward to experiencing the next evolution of the Bloodstained saga on Nintendo Switch and additional platforms, with further announcements expected via upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations and the eShop.
Stay tuned for more updates as ArtPlay brings this highly awaited Metroidvania adventure closer to launch.
As a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night—which revitalized the Metroidvania genre on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and eShop—The Scarlet Engagement is set to continue Igarashi’s tradition of captivating, exploration-driven gameplay.
Known for his tireless dedication to the craft, Igarashi has long been a prominent figure in video game development, with a pedigree that includes iconic titles like Symphony of the Night, Aria of Sorrow, and Order of Ecclesia during his tenure at Konami.
However, in a recent interview with Famitsu, Igarashi reflected on the personal sacrifices that often come with this level of professional commitment.
In discussing his goals for 2026, Igarashi candidly acknowledged the importance of maintaining a healthier work-life balance following a challenging year.
He stated, in effect, that alongside his primary objective of releasing Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, he recognizes the need to make lifestyle changes and prioritize his well-being after multiple hospitalizations in 2025.
"I'm committed to making positive lifestyle changes and taking greater care of my health," Igarashi explained, emphasizing that his health will be a significant part of his plans as he completes development on the new title. Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is poised to build on the innovative mechanics and atmospheric storytelling that fans have come to expect from Igarashi and the team at ArtPlay.
With the previous installment, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, selling over one million copies worldwide and securing a strong foothold on the Nintendo Switch and other platforms, expectations are high for this next chapter.
The return of core Metroidvania elements—crafted under Igarashi’s experienced leadership—has energized a dedicated community of fans and inspired a resurgence of the genre across the industry. The project also reunites Igarashi with Shutaro Iida, another Castlevania veteran and creative director of Scarlet Engagement, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Given the well-publicized health challenges faced by both leads, there is a tremendous sense of anticipation and empathy from industry peers and fans alike, wishing for improved fortunes in 2026 for everyone involved. As anticipation builds for Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement’s projected 2026 release, the commitment of Igarashi and his team to both creative excellence and personal well-being stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of game development.
Gamers can look forward to experiencing the next evolution of the Bloodstained saga on Nintendo Switch and additional platforms, with further announcements expected via upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations and the eShop.
Stay tuned for more updates as ArtPlay brings this highly awaited Metroidvania adventure closer to launch.
