Evil Empire

Evil Empire is an independent French video game development studio focused on action roguelites, Metroidvanias, and long-term post-launch production. Established in 2019, the studio was formed to take on the continued evolution of Dead Cells while Motion Twin remained an autonomous worker cooperative focused on new projects.

The studio combines full-cycle PC and console development with co-development, live-operations management, DLC production, multi-platform porting, and gameplay optimisation. Its work centres on responsive platforming, fast-paced combat, and the sustained support of established game properties.

Long-term game stewardship

Evil Empire led Dead Cells live operations and expansion development from 2019 to 2024. Its releases for the game include The Bad Seed, Fatal Falls, The Queen and the Sea, and Return to Castlevania, alongside content updates and crossover collaborations.

The studio has since broadened its work through publisher and IP-owner partnerships. It developed the action roguelite The Rogue Prince of Persia for Ubisoft, manages ongoing content and live operations for Brotato, including the Primal Dread expansion, and is developing the 2D action-exploration game Castlevania: Belmont's Curse with Konami.

Studio approach

Evil Empire describes its role as being a trusted steward of valued external intellectual property while building toward original production. Its operating model uses autonomous, multidisciplinary teams of roughly 10 to 20 developers rather than a large centralised structure. The company emphasises sustainable work-life balance, proactive communication, and an ethical studio culture.

Beyond development, Evil Empire co-founded and leads The Triple-i Initiative, a not-for-profit digital showcase for independent games. Launched in 2024, the ad-free broadcast format brings together more than thirty indie studios.