19th August 2025 – Legendary publisher MicroProse today announced that it will publish Death By Scrolling, a chaotic rogue‑like vertically scrolling RPG from legendary game designer Ron Gilbert, creator of Monkey Island and Maniac Mansion. The reveal took place during Gamescom: Opening Night Live 2025, one of the world’s largest and most influential stages for global game announcements.
Set in the bizarre depths of Purgatory™—now under new management, Death By Scrolling challenges players to race upward through endless levels, battling quirky underworld monsters, dodging deadly traps, and staying just ahead of the relentless Grim Reaper. The ultimate goal? Amass 10,000 gold to pay the Ferryman’s outrageous river‑crossing fee and finally escape the afterlife.
Players will choose from a varied cast of unique characters, each with distinct perks and abilities, and take on a nonstop vertical sprint where time, gravity, and death itself are constant enemies.
Along the way, they’ll:
- Battle bizarre creatures and demonic bosses in fast‑paced combat.
- Gather loot, gems, and power‑ups from eccentric vendors.
- Complete bonus runs and side quests for extra rewards.
- Compete on global Steam leaderboards to prove their purgatorial skill.
- Enjoy a tongue‑in‑cheek take on afterlife bureaucracy, with cheeky dialogues and playful narration—hallmarks of Ron Gilbert’s signature style.
"Working with Ron Gilbert on Death By Scrolling is an honor," said Davide Pessach, CMO at MicroProse. "He’s brought his trademark humor, sharp design, and quirky world‑building to a completely new genre for him. We can’t wait for players to experience it."
With MicroProse’s backing, Death By Scrolling will launch with expanded content, refined gameplay, and global distribution. The game is available to wishlist now on Steam.
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About MicroProse
Founded in 1982, MicroProse is a world‑famous game developer and publisher known for legendary titles such as Falcon, F-15 Strike Eagle, Silent Service, Gunship, Civilization, and X-COM. Today, MicroProse is committed to bringing both classic revivals and innovative new games to players worldwide.
About Ron Gilbert
Ron Gilbert is an acclaimed game designer, writer, and programmer best known for pioneering narrative adventure games such as The Secret of Monkey Island, Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge, Maniac Mansion, and Thimbleweed Park. His work is celebrated for its wit, charm, and inventive game design.