On the nose.

Did you enjoy Lies of P? The game - a Soulslike take on the story of Geppetto and Pinocchio - was very succesful when it launched in 2023. Now, it looks like we may have our first proper glimpse at what the game's sequel may turn out to be. A couple of new trademarks have appeared over at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), registered by publisher Neowiz, for a mysterious project called 'Wonders of O'.

Tags included in the IP notice include "interactive multimedia software for playing games; computer software for use in providing multiple user access to a global computer information network; computer game software downloadable from a global computer network and wireless devices; computer game software downloadable from a global computer network" and so on, so it's safe to say we are looking at the registration of a video game here. Additionally, Neowiz is the owner of the application. All signs point to this being a sequel.

In terms of the name, you don't need to be a detective to work out the naming pattern there, do you? I wonder what the 'O' could refer to. Oz, perhaps - from The Oz books that form a book series that begins with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), by L. Frank Baum. There are 14 books in the Oz canon, so there will certainly be plenty to draw from there, if that's where the Korean developers choose to go with the sequel. Will it be connected to Lies of P at all, or just a standalone project? It remains to be seen. It's also worth noting that the post-credits scene of the first game seemed to feature Dorothy - heroine of the first few Oz books. Go figure.

It's not actually the first time we've heard about this game. Just after the first title released, the developer(s) confirmed a sequel is in the works. Then, back in August, a Lies of P documentary teased that the next game "is going to be really fun and emotionally moving", indicating a bit more ambition from the studios behind the title compared to the relatively narrative-light original game. The documentary also revealed a bit about the studio's philosophy: one internal team at Round8, known as Nough, is dedicated to "testing and refining" its projects before its release, and proudly proclaims it makes "games by gamers".

"We're giving it everything we have to make it the best it can be. So please, just wait a little longer," noted director Choi Jiwon in the documentary. "You won't be disappointed, we promise. This is the truth, not a lie." Very fitting for the Pinocchio-themed game.

Eurogamer's three-star review of 2023's Lies of P said it has "strong enough foundations in its edgy tone and tweaked weapons", but "it's highly unlikely that they'll be able to beat the originals at their own game".

Stay tuned for more information soon. A Game Awards reveal, perhaps? We'll see.

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