Ron Gilbert, the legendary developer best known as the creator of the Monkey Island series, has officially unveiled his latest project at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025. Titled Death by Scrolling, the game immediately captured attention with its quirky name and fast-paced, chaotic gameplay style.
Currently confirmed only for PC, Death by Scrolling promises to be a unique mix of roguelike progression and bullet hell intensity.
The Vision Behind Death by Scrolling
The name isn’t just for laughs—This Game refers to the game’s core mechanic. Players will traverse vertically scrolling environments, always forced to move forward as the Grim Reaper looms close behind. Retreat is never an option, making every run tense and unpredictable.
The game is set in Purgatory, portrayed as a surreal blend of mythologies about death and the afterlife. Souls trapped there must collect a staggering 10,000 gold pieces to pay a Ferryman’s fee before they can finally move on. This serves as the basis for Death by Scrolling’s roguelike gameplay loop, where each failed run is another step toward freedom.
Gameplay Features
Gilbert’s newest creation won’t just lean on its grim premise. Death by Scrolling comes packed with features fans will appreciate:
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Multiple Playable Characters – offering variety and replayability.
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Retro Pixel Art – a nostalgic callback to Gilbert’s Lucasfilm Games roots.
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Online Leaderboards – to fuel competition among players worldwide.
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Signature Humor – witty, tongue-in-cheek dialogue woven throughout the adventure.
Despite the constant push to climb upward, the trailer revealed that rushing blindly won’t always guarantee safety. The Grim Reaper can strike from unexpected directions, adding an extra layer of danger.
A Legendary Career Continues
Ron Gilbert has been shaping the video game industry since the 1980s, starting his career at Lucasfilm Games. With over 100 credits to his name, he worked on classics like Maniac Mansion, Total Annihilation: The Core Contingency, and The Big Big Castle.
Most recently, he directed and co-wrote Return to Monkey Island (2022), a critically acclaimed return to his most famous franchise. With Death by Scrolling, Gilbert once again proves his ability to innovate while still retaining his trademark style and humor.
What’s Next for Death by Scrolling?
So far, This Game is only confirmed for PC, with no word yet on console releases or a launch window. Given Ron Gilbert’s history and the buzz surrounding this reveal, fans can expect more updates in the coming months.
For now, the Death by Scrolling trailer showcased at Gamescom 2025 gives players a first taste of this challenging and comedic journey through Purgatory.