KPop Demon Hunters Game Clones Keep Appearing

With the rising popularity of K-Pop Demon Hunters and the long wait for its sequel (not expected until 2029 at the earliest), it’s no surprise that various unrelated projects are attempting to fill the void, like the stylish Kemuri. The newly announced rhythm game, K-Pop Rising – Dream To Shine, from a Paris-based publisher and developer Old Skull Games, fits right into this trend.

Set to launch this November on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC, K-Pop Rising – Dream To Shine follows an aspiring musician on their journey to stardom in the K-pop industry. Players can customize their character’s appearance, including outfits and makeup, while also recruiting members to form their own group. The game features rhythm-based gameplay that combines singing and choreography.

The game immerses players in the vibrant and challenging world of modern music. Alongside their best friend Nova, players must fully commit to the pursuit of fame, engaging in everything from intense studio training to performing on prestigious stages. It promises a comprehensive experience that blends rhythm, extensive customization, and community management in the age of social media.

It will be intriguing to see how K-Pop Rising balances its simulation aspects with rhythm gameplay, and how detailed each component will be. The initial screenshots primarily showcase the music segments, but there’s also a glimpse of the user interface between performances and a photo mode.

As for the connections to K-Pop Demon Hunters, aside from the shared focus on the music genre, the game features a trio of performers and supports up to three-player co-op. The key art is a clear nod to the film, showcasing three pop stars, with one character resembling Rumi and another echoing Zoey. At least the demon-slaying element is notably absent.

K-Pop Demon Hunters has become a massive hit, becoming Netflix’s most-watched movie ever with over 500 million views. It holds the record for the longest stay in the Global Top 10, remaining there for a full year, and has won Oscars for Best Original Song (“Golden”) and Best Animated Feature, along with a Grammy for “Golden.” Given the film’s monumental success, it’s understandable that studios are eager to capitalize on its popularity, though matching its impact will be a significant challenge.

Expect a wave of K-Pop Demon Hunters merchandise to hit the shelves in 2026, as toy manufacturers catch up to last year’s animated phenomenon. New products from various brands are either already available or on the way.

Could this be a prequel?