Death by Scrolling: Ron Gilbert’s New Roguelike is a Chaotic, Comedic Trip to Purgatory

For a generation of gamers, the name Ron Gilbert is synonymous with one thing: the classic point-and-click adventure game. As the brilliant mind behind beloved titles like Maniac Mansion and the iconic Monkey Island series, Gilbert’s work has defined the genre for decades. But at Gamescom 2025’s Opening Night Live, he surprised everyone by revealing his next project, and it’s a massive departure from his usual fare. Titled Death by Scrolling, the game is a chaotic, tongue-in-cheek roguelike RPG where players are constantly running for their lives from the relentless march of the screen itself. The new gameplay trailer, a wild ride through a bizarrely bureaucratic version of Purgatory, showcased a game that is as innovative as it is irreverent, and it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates creative indie gaming.

This article dives into the key reveals from the trailer and explains why Death by Scrolling, which is slated for a 2025 release on PC, is a bold new step for a legendary developer and a fresh twist on the popular roguelike genre. It seems that even in the afterlife, Ron Gilbert can’t resist a good puzzle, a quick wit, and a healthy dose of the absurd.

The Purgatory Grind: A New Kind of Roguelike

The core mechanic of Death by Scrolling is a brilliant, anxiety-inducing concept that is perfectly encapsulated by the game’s title. The game is a top-down, vertically-scrolling RPG where the bottom of the screen is a chasing wall of death. If you stop moving, you die. This constant, forward momentum forces players to think on their feet, making split-second decisions about which path to take, which enemies to fight, and which loot to grab. It’s a roguelike where the environment itself is your biggest enemy, and it creates a sense of urgency that is rare in the genre.

The setting is just as unique. Players find themselves in Purgatory, a bizarre, afterlife bureaucracy that is “under new management.” To escape, they must collect a ludicrous amount of gold—10,000 pieces to be exact—to pay the Ferryman and cross the river to the great beyond. This comedic, bureaucratic take on the afterlife is a perfect canvas for Gilbert’s trademark humor. The trailer was filled with cheeky dialogue, playful narration, and a colorful cast of underworld monsters, all rendered in a delightful pixel-art style. The art direction is a clear nod to Gilbert’s previous work, but the gameplay is a chaotic new adventure. Players will have to choose from a variety of selectable characters, each with their own unique perks and abilities, and then battle their way through endless levels of monsters and mayhem. The combat, which has a Zelda-like feel but with a much faster pace, looks both satisfying and challenging.

The game is a clear passion project, as Gilbert himself admitted on his blog. After shelving a more ambitious open-world RPG, he revisited an older prototype and, with the help of his new team, rebuilt the entire project. This creative journey, from the classic adventure genre to a fast-paced roguelike, is a testament to Gilbert’s willingness to experiment and innovate. The result is a game that feels both personal and polished, a true indie gem in a crowded market.

Beyond the Screen: Humor, Loot, and a New Frontier

While the frantic scrolling action is the hook, the game’s depth lies in its commitment to a rewarding RPG gaming experience. The trailer showed off a number of features that will keep players coming back for more, including:

• A Deep Progression System: As players fight and collect gold, they can acquire new power-ups in the form of cards, which provide different abilities and stat boosts. This creates a rewarding feedback loop that is essential for a good roguelike.
• Quests and Challenges: The game will feature a variety of side quests and challenges, giving players a clear goal beyond simply surviving. This adds a sense of purpose to the chaotic grind and rewards players who are willing to explore and take risks.
• A Tongue-in-Cheek Narrative: Gilbert’s humor is on full display in Death by Scrolling. The story, which follows the player’s attempt to escape Purgatory, is filled with witty dialogue and a satirical take on the afterlife. This a huge selling point for players who appreciate a good story and a healthy dose of comedy with their action.

The reveal of Death by Scrolling is a pivotal moment for the gaming community. It shows that a legendary developer, known for one specific genre, can still innovate and create something new and exciting. The game’s unique concept, charming art style, and a great sense of humor make it a must-have for fans of the roguelike genre and anyone who appreciates a fresh, creative take on a classic formula. While the game may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a brilliant new adventure from a master storyteller, and it’s a game that is sure to stand out in a crowded year of releases. Get ready to run for your life, because the screen is coming, and it’s not going to stop.