In an industry often dominated by mobile platforms, a new South Korean indie studio is making waves by prioritizing narrative depth and console-grade action. BECUZUS, led by film director and screenwriter Lee Seong-jae, has officially unveiled the first gameplay trailer for its ambitious dark fantasy action RPG, ‘VANRAN’.
Official trailer for the dark fantasy action RPG ‘VANRAN’ currently in development by indie studio BECUZUS.
A “Story-First” Philosophy from a Cinematic Mind
Founded in 2024, BECUZUS operates under a clear mandate: define the world, narrative structure, and core mechanics before writing a single line of gameplay code. This “story-first” approach stems from CEO Lee Seong-jae’s extensive background across film, drama, and webtoons.
To bring this vision to life, the studio has assembled a powerhouse team of industry veterans from NCSOFT and Smilegate, working alongside top-tier concept artists from the film industry. The goal is to create a seamless, narrative-driven action experience where the storytelling is woven directly into the exploration.
The Plot: A Brutal Path to Freedom
VANRAN follows the story of Kaleb, a former aristocrat branded a criminal and sentenced to death. After surviving the brink of execution, he awakens as a slave in a demonic realm. In the depths of this underworld, he discovers a sentient, sealed sword that promises the power of vengeance in exchange for his loyalty.
Inspired by classical myths like Orpheus and Eurydice and Dante’s Divine Comedy, the game explores the thin line between revenge and redemption. The narrative is non-linear; there are no fixed endings. Instead, the world expands based on the player’s curiosity and choices, ensuring that every decision carries weight.
Balancing “Soulslike” Rigor with Stylish Fluidity
While the game draws inspiration from the challenging combat of the Soulslike genre, VANRAN introduces a faster, more stylish pace.
- The Chain System: The game’s signature mechanic allows for fluid movement and dynamic transitions during combat, creating a sense of “uninterrupted flow.”
- Reactionary Combat: Systems like parrying, guard breaks, and flexible chain shifts keep the tension high.
- Accessibility: Recognizing the high barrier of entry for Soulslikes, BECUZUS has included support features for beginners while offering expanded difficulty options for hardcore veterans.
- Titan Bosses: The highlights of the game are the massive “Titan” battles. These encounters utilize a proprietary Hybrid Optimization Engine to handle real-time mounting mechanics and adaptive animations for gargantuan enemies.
Technical Prowess and Cross-Media Strategy
BECUZUS is a subsidiary of the KOSDAQ-listed VFX powerhouse M83 (476080). This affiliation gives the studio access to high-end visual tech.
- AI Framework: Enemies in VANRAN use an advanced AI framework to coordinate group tactics and combo attacks in real-time, making combat unpredictable.
- Cinematic Immersion: Collaborating with MortarHead (another M83 subsidiary specialized in deep-tech), the game features a high-density cinematic opening that blends seamlessly into gameplay.
- IP Expansion: The studio is already building a content pipeline to expand the VANRAN IP into webtoons, dramas, and animation. This follows their upcoming lineup of other titles, including the occult RPG HOSAN and the stylized free-to-play game TOYS.
Roadmap: Steam Demo and December Release
Following a successful showing at ChinaJoy 2024 and Gamescom, BECUZUS released a detailed gameplay trailer via IGN on January 7, 2026. Unlike previous cinematic teasers, this footage showcases real-time combat and the intricate boss mechanics players can expect.
- Steam Demo: A global demo featuring Chapter 1 is set to launch on Steam shortly. It will allow players to experience Kaleb’s opening sequence, which has been redesigned from the original cinematic teasers into a fully playable scenario.
- Official Launch: VANRAN is scheduled for a full release in December 2026 on PC and consoles.
“This trailer captures the world we have tirelessly built and the intense combat experience we want to share,” stated CEO Lee Seong-jae. “As both a developer and a gamer, I hope our vision resonates with players worldwide.”
Studio Profile: BECUZUS
BECUZUS is a next-generation South Korean game studio founded in 2024. Led by CEO Sungjae Lee, a veteran film director and screenwriter, the studio is an affiliate of the prominent visual effects (VFX) company M83. BECUZUS aims to redefine interactive storytelling by merging the cinematic depth of film with the immersive mechanics of high-end gaming.
The name “BECUZUS” (Because-Us) reflects their philosophy: providing players with a clear and compelling “reason” to play through narrative-driven gameplay and high-fidelity visuals.
Key Information & Links
| Category | Details |
| Studio Name | BECUZUS Co., Ltd. |
| Founder / CEO | Sungjae Lee (이성재) |
| Headquarters | Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| Established | 2024 |
| Core Values | Simplicity, Humor, Emotion |
| Publishing Strategy | Global PC & Console (Focusing on North America & Europe) |
| Official Website | becuzus.com |
| Steam Store Page | VANRAN on Steam |
| Official Trailer | [VANRAN] Official Gameplay Trailer (IGN) |
