■ 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.
The game “Player Who Can’t Level Up” is based on the webtoon of the same name, “Player Who Can’t Level Up” (original web novel production company of the same name: 101 Company / webtoon production company: Red Dog Culture House), currently serialized on Kakao Page. It centers on the protagonist “Kim Ki-gyu”, who cannot level up, and a unique growth structure that evolves his fighting style through “Ego Fragments.” The rogue-lite genre’s characteristic repetitive gameplay, which creates new combinations and strategies every time, is its strength, and the fast-paced battles and stylish action maximize immersion.
‘Player Who Can’t Level Up’ is built with Unreal Engine 5, offering high-quality 3D graphics and a free camera perspective. Additionally, the battle system has been optimized to allow players to experience the original’s thrilling action firsthand. It is slated for release in the second half of 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC platforms, with a mobile version also planned for release thereafter.
Trypul Games, the developer of ‘Player Who Can’t Level Up’, is a studio that has been recognized for both its technical prowess and planning prowess in the indie scene, and has won numerous awards for ‘VEDA’, including the 2024 Indie Craft Grand Prize, BIC Stove Indie Pick, and G-Star Indie Showcase Most Anticipated Game. Following the signing of a PC global publishing contract for ‘VEDA’ last November, Smilegate has signed a publishing contract for its next game, ‘Player Who Can’t Level Up’, based on its trust in Trypul Games’ development capabilities.
Smilegate’s new game, “Player Who Can’t Level Up,” will be showcased at the Stove booth at the Busan Indie Connect Festival 2025, which will be held at BEXCO in Busan from Friday, the 15th to Sunday, the 17th. It will also be exhibited at the Korean joint booth at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, which will be held from Thursday, the 25th to Sunday, the 28th of next month.
Smilegate CEO Yeo Seung-hwan said, “Triple Games is a developer with both technological prowess and planning capabilities, which is why we have signed publishing contracts for two consecutive titles.” He added, “This new title, in particular, is based on a globally beloved webtoon IP, and is expected to set a new standard for action games on consoles, so expectations are high. Starting with BIC, we plan to expand our user contact points on various global stages.”
More information about the ‘Player Who Can’t Level Up’ game can be found on the Stove Games page and the Steam Games page .
