What Is Demonschool?
Demonschool is a bold and stylish school-life tactical RPG developed by Necrosoft Games and published by Ysbryd Games, known for WORLD OF HORROR and VA-11 HALL-A. Blending inspirations from Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, classic Italian horror cinema, and strategic gameplay akin to Into the Breach, Demonschool takes players into a vibrant, spooky world where movement equals action and decisions can be rewound.
Revealed at the PC Gaming Show and launching in Summer 2025, the game will be available on PlayStation 5 & 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.
Story: Survive a Semester at Jabberwock Island
You play as Faye, a freshman and the last living heir of a demon-hunting bloodline. She enrolls at an island university that looks prestigious from the outside but harbors dark secrets. While others study philosophy and literature, Faye and her group of unlikely allies face a demonic breach threatening to collapse the barrier between realms.
Players must investigate sinister happenings from faceless women to bizarre summoning rituals and prevent a full-blown demonic apocalypse.
Gameplay: School-Life Meets Fast-Paced Tactical Combat
Unlike traditional turn-based tactics RPGs, Demonschool simplifies and modernizes combat with a clean, fast-paced system where:
- Movement is action: Strategic positioning is key.
- Rewinds are allowed: Redo and refine your strategy in the planning phase.
- Actions play out simultaneously: Enter the action phase and watch dynamic, character-based combos unfold.
The game features grid-based battles on a chessboard-like layout where characters combine abilities for powerful chain attacks. Expect satisfying synergies like Destin’s knockback punch, Namako’s debuff dash, and Knute’s support spells.
Characters and Relationships
Players can form a four-person party chosen from 15 unique characters, each offering distinct abilities and personalities. Through class schedules, training, and side quests, players enhance their skills and unlock powerful new moves.
Beyond combat, you’ll experience life sim elements such as:
- Class planning
- Friendships and romance
- Extracurricular activities
- Multiple endings based on relationship choices
Aesthetic: Giallo Horror Meets Modern Indie Style
Inspired by Italian horror cinema of the ’60s and ’70s, Demonschool offers a unique art style drenched in giallo colors, eccentric character designs, and grotesque imagery. The atmosphere is eerie but playful, underscored by a funky, bass-driven soundtrack that juxtaposes humor and horror.
Developer Commentary
“We wanted to create a game with complete transparency while still allowing for mystery,” says Brandon Sheffield, creative director of Necrosoft Games. “You’ll never have to guess at numbers or what does what. We hope the story carries you through to a positive vision for the future and what’s possible when like-minded individuals work together against a larger evil.”
Platforms and Release Date
Demonschool RPG launches in Q3 2025 for the following platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X|S
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
- PC via Steam & Epic Games Store
The game supports English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.
If your audience loves tactical RPGs, indie horror, or games with deep character dynamics, Demonschool RPG is shaping up to be a summer release worth enrolling for. With its one-of-a-kind blend of school life, demonic warfare, and expressive style, it’s bound to be a standout in 2025’s RPG lineup.
About Ysbryd Games
Ysbryd Games publishes soulful, narrative-driven games with a strong visual identity. Their titles like VA-11 HALL-A and WORLD OF HORROR are cult favorites among indie fans. Research Ysbryd Games via its official website, follow @YsbrydGames on social media, and join fellow students on Discord.
About Necrosoft Games
Based in Oakland, California, Necrosoft Games is known for inventive indie titles like Gunhouse, Oh, Deer!, and Hyper Gunsport. Led by Brandon Sheffield, the team consists of developers from around the globe. Find Necrosoft Games on its official website, Discord, and @necrosoftgames on social media.
