■ A new action rogue-lite game based on a popular Kakao Page webtoon, developed by VEDA’s Trypul Games
Scheduled for release in the second half of 2026 for PC and console platforms. First demonstration scheduled for BIC 2025.
Smilegate announced on Friday the 8th that it has signed a global publishing contract for the new action rogue-lite game ‘Player Who Can’t Level Up’ (developer Trypul Games), based on the popular global webtoon of the same name on Kakao Page.
Seoul, South Korea – August 8, 2025 – Smilegate has announced a global publishing agreement with developer Tripull Games for The Player Who Can’t Level Up, an upcoming action roguelite based on the popular KakaoPage webtoon of the same name. The title is scheduled for release on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in the second half of 2026, with a mobile version to follow. The game will make its first public appearance at the Busan Indie Connect Festival 2025.
Adapted from the webtoon (produced by Red Dog Culture House) and the original web novel by 101 Company, The Player Who Can’t Level Up centers on protagonist Kim Gi-gyu, who is unable to level up. Instead, he evolves his combat style using mysterious “Ego Shards,” offering a unique progression system. The game emphasizes replayability through the roguelite genre’s hallmark of new combinations and strategies each run, paired with fast-paced, stylish combat to heighten immersion.
Developed in Unreal Engine 5, the title features high-quality 3D graphics, a free camera system, and optimized combat mechanics to faithfully recreate the intensity of the source material’s action scenes.
Tripull Games, known for its strong technical and design capabilities, has earned multiple indie accolades, including the Grand Prize at Indiecraft 2024 for V.E.D.A., as well as BIC Stove Indie Pick and G-STAR Indie Showcase “Most Anticipated” honors. This is the second consecutive publishing deal between Smilegate and Tripull Games, following last year’s agreement for V.E.D.A.
Ye Seung-hwan, Executive Director at Smilegate, commented:
“Tripull Games has proven to be a developer with both strong technical skill and creative vision. This new title, built on a globally beloved webtoon IP, has the potential to set a new standard for action games on consoles. Starting with BIC, we plan to expand our reach to players across multiple global stages.”
The Player Who Can’t Level Up will be playable at the Stove booth during the Busan Indie Connect Festival 2025 (August 15–17) and will be exhibited at the Korean Pavilion of the Tokyo Game Show 2025 (September 25–28).
More information about the ‘Player Who Can’t Level Up’ game can be found on the Stove Games page and the Steam Store page.
