Sometimes, a legacy needs a fresh coat of blood. Development studio Mehuman Games and publisher Toplitz Productions have unveiled a new direction—and a new name—for their story-driven horror sandbox. Previously known as Vampire Dynasty, the game emerges reborn as Vampires: Bloodlord Rising, shedding its old identity to embrace a far darker, more action-packed vision of gothic intrigue.
Breaking Away From “Dynasty”
In the team’s quest to deliver a robust horror experience complete with an open-world sandbox and action-adventure elements, it became clear that “Dynasty” didn’t quite capture the essence. According to Robin Gibbels, Head of Producing at Toplitz Productions, the development progress and rich narrative demanded a title that stands on its own—something as fiercely independent as the vampires themselves. And so, the newly christened Vampires: Bloodlord Rising cuts ties with earlier expectations, staking its claim in the fearsome land of Sangavia.
A Sharper Dragos
The game’s main protagonist, Dragos, has undergone a striking transformation, trading flowing locks for a clean-cut visage that highlights his chilling features. Now clad in revamped attire designed to be both virile and menacing, Dragos’ redesign sets the tone for the brutal, shadowy world he inhabits. The changes go well beyond hairdos, with Mehuman Games upgrading materials, textures, and lighting to create an immersive realm of gloom and grandeur.
Building Castles and Breaking Hearts
Dragos isn’t the only one getting a makeover. The entire world of Sangavia benefits from an overhauled UI system, improved grass, fog, and water effects—all of which amplify the atmosphere of this haunting, unpredictable domain. Players will also find deeper sandbox elements like constructing their own custom vampire castle, complete with the darkly ornate design that any self-respecting undead lord would demand.
But it’s not just about architecture. The team has expanded the concept of “managing subjects,” giving Dragos the chance to romance newly transformed vampires, send minions on hunts, and even wield powerful rituals. Whether you choose a benevolent approach or succumb to your bloodthirsty impulses, your moral choices will directly shape Dragos’ development—including how his very face evolves over time.
Sinking Your Fangs Into Early Access
Slated to enter Early Access in 2025, Vampires: Bloodlord Rising will continue to reveal fresh horrors and gameplay enhancements in the coming months. Keep your eyes peeled for devlogs and new trailers on the Steam page—and don’t forget to wishlist the game if you’re itching for a taste of its gothic brand of sandbox carnage.
Where Dark Beauty Meets Cutting-Edge Tech
Behind this ambitious transformation is Mehuman Games, a team of nearly twenty seasoned pros—some of whom hail from the cult-favorite studio Movie Games Lunarium, known for Lust from Beyond and Lust for Darkness. Blending their knack for unforgettable storytelling with the advanced capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, they’re taking the genre into bold territory: a melding of epic narrative and open-world freedom that’s as mesmerizing as it is nightmarish.
Meanwhile, Toplitz Productions (named after the mysterious lake in Austria) continues its mission to develop and publish games “with heart & soul” across various platforms. Their roster includes the beloved “Dynasty” and “Giant” series, and they’re no strangers to high-quality titles brimming with immersive worlds.
So gear up, sharpen those fangs, and prepare to test the limits of your humanity—or your hunger. With Vampires: Bloodlord Rising, you’ll decide how far into the darkness you’re willing to descend when the game hits Early Access in 2025. The name may have changed, but the legacy of blood, power, and fear remains very much alive.
