After classic point & click games like Maniac Mansion and The Secret of Monkey Island, Ron Gilbert shifts gears and dives into the roguelike genre with Death by Scrolling. Revealed at Gamescom 2025, this game combines vertical scrolling, RPG mechanics, and a touch of dark humor typical of its creator.

A Fast-Paced Concept: Fleeing the Reaper

In Death by Scrolling, players find themselves in a Purgatory “under new management.” The goal? Collect 10,000 gold coins to pay the ferryman and escape the Reaper. The game features constant vertical scrolling, with each level being a race against time to avoid death and progress.

Retro and Addictive Gameplay

Inspired by classics like Zelda and Vampire Survivors, the game offers pixel art graphics and frantic action. Players can choose from multiple characters, each with unique abilities, and face varied enemies while avoiding the Reaper. Upgrades and side quests enrich the overall experience.

An Evolving Project

Development of Death by Scrolling began in 2019 under the codename “A Little Something.” After a pause to work on Return to Monkey Island, Ron Gilbert resumed the project, merging it with an abandoned RPG concept. With the help of his collaborators Elissa Black and Craig, they refined the game into a coherent and entertaining experience.

Availability and Expectations

Death by Scrolling is currently in development for PC and can be added to your Steam wishlist. Although no release date has been announced yet, fan excitement and the involvement of MicroProse as publisher suggest a promising launch.