The game industry rarely sees a Soulslike title shot through a first-person lens, and that gap defines the core challenge for One More Level. We are watching this because the studio is betting that a unique perspective can carve out a new niche in a crowded genre. This design choice shifts the focus from character animation to direct player reaction, which changes how players will experience combat and exploration.
Studio bets on unique perspective to differentiate in crowded genre
One More Level is developing Valor Mortis, a first-person perspective Soulslike game. The studio chose this viewpoint to differentiate from the standard third-person perspective used in most Soulslike games. This decision builds directly on the team's previous experience with the first-person game Ghostrunner. We see this as a strategic move to leverage known strengths in a new genre.
Szymon Bryla, CEO of One More Level, stated that the lack of existing first-person Soulslikes was fascinating but also a significant risk. The studio acknowledged that this market void posed a significant risk in every respect. They are proceeding with this design because they believe the opportunity outweighs the danger. This approach requires players to adapt to a more immediate and visceral combat style.
The game was announced in 2025, confirming the studio's commitment to this specific design direction. We looked at the last Valor Mortis update earlier while tracking these development themes. The announcement signals that the team has moved past early concept phases into active development. Players can expect a game that prioritizes direct engagement over traditional third-person framing.
Source: Insider Gaming
