The indie scene is often a predictable carousel of roguelikes, Metroidvanias, soulslikes, and pixel-art passion projects. It’s a pragmatic choice—these genres are cost-effective, require smaller teams, and lean into replayability. Cinematic, 3D action-adventure titles, however, are a rare breed in the indie sphere, largely because they demand a level of resource and expertise that usually scares off smaller developers.

Yet, a plucky South Korean team is daring to buck that trend. Meet Roomtone Games, currently crafting 'Interscape', a 3D action-adventure game that prioritizes a distinct, atmospheric identity. After its debut at G-Star last year, the project drew immediate comparisons to Remedy Entertainment’s 'Control' thanks to its surreal vibe and clever mechanics. We sat down with the team to find out why they decided to take on such a monumental challenge.

Roomtone Games was founded by CEO Kim Dong-wook and Director Jeon Jin-kyung. Both come from backgrounds in film and video production. Back in 2017, when VR was the industry's golden child, they used game engines to create experimental, immersive experiences that eventually earned them invitations to international film festivals.

But their hearts were always set on console gaming. "VR projects are fantastic for a one-off experience, but they struggle to reach a wider audience," Kim explains. "We wanted to create something more accessible, and honestly, our deep-seated love for console gaming finally pushed us to take the leap."

Reality, of course, was a harsh master. Building a massive game with just two people was impossible. They tried starting small, but even that was a slog. "We essentially poured every penny we made from our film and media work into the game," Kim says. The team has since moved on to focus entirely on game development.

Initially, Kim and Jeon handled everything—design, script, sound, composition, and programming. As the systems grew in complexity, they realized they couldn't do it alone. Today, Roomtone Games has expanded into a more substantial team of 10 developers.

The fruit of their labor is 'Interscape', a cinematic action-adventure driven by surreal storytelling. The setting? A near-future Earth where an AI-powered 'Dream Machine' called Oracle handles our deepest desires. When people start failing to wake up, a specialized 'Dream Diver' team is deployed to investigate. Naturally, the problem only gets worse.

Players take charge as the team leader, diving into the minds of those trapped. As the narrative unfolds, you uncover the dark truth behind why humanity is being locked away in nightmares. "Dreams are something we experience daily, yet they remain profoundly bizarre," says Kim. "I felt they were like games created directly by the brain. It inspired me to imagine a story where you navigate these realms to save others." He also cites films like Inception and the anime Paprika as key inspirations.

Your character is a veteran Dream Diver who loathes sleep because they've been plagued by the same recurring nightmare since childhood—which, ironically, makes them the perfect candidate for the job. "Because they’ve lived in nightmares forever, they recognize they’re in a dream instantly," Director Jeon notes. "They act as the ultimate pathfinder."

You aren't alone, though. Teammates assist you: there’s a mind-care specialist helping trapped divers and an architect who manipulates the environment. Certain chapters even feature mechanics where you and your team work in tandem across the dream-reality divide.

The game is structured in chapters, each introducing new dream-bending gimmicks. One stage might force you to master gravity, while others involve tearing through space or playing with light and shadow. "We looked at games like Split Fiction and Astro Bot for inspiration on how to evolve the player's core actions chapter by chapter," says Kim.

These gimmicks aren't just for show—they serve the story. "We chose gravity and spatial shifting because they best represent the narrative," Jeon explains. "Gravity illustrates a 'shared dream' where different worlds collide, while spatial puzzles reveal the evolving inner psyche of the company's founder."

Then there’s the visual style. With their film backgrounds, the duo ensures each stage has a distinct aesthetic. "We twisted realistic environments by about 20% to make them feel 'off'," Kim says. "As you progress, things get even more distorted, hammering home that 'dream' feeling."

Each setting is grounded in reality before being warped. The corporate-focused stage leans on a 'massive space conglomerate' motif, while the gravity-heavy levels capture the dizzying heights of a futuristic city. It’s all about keeping the environment tethered to the narrative.

When Roomtone Games first announced the project, skepticism was high. Given the history of scams in indie dev circles, people were wary. Those doubts largely evaporated once they showcased the title at game shows in 2024.

Still, the genre is a beast for an indie studio to tackle. "It’s easy to be compared to AAA titles, and the resource requirements are daunting," Kim admits. "But we wanted to make this console game so badly that the passion outweighed the fear."

It hasn't been without its growing pains. The early build included shooter elements, much like 'Control'. "We thought it would add tension, like in Inception, but it just invited unfair comparisons to big-budget shooters," Jeon reflects. "It broke the balance of our story and adventure focus. Pivoting away from that was the hardest part of development, but it led us to the game's current, better state."

With the foundation now set, Interscape is aiming for an October 2027 release. It will span six stages—three major, three secondary—offering about five hours of gameplay. "We originally planned for more," Kim says, "but we tightened it for a more impactful experience."

“We’re taking on a genre that’s quite rare for a Korean indie team,” Kim adds. “We’d appreciate your support, and we hope you enjoy it when it’s out.” Jeon chimes in: “It’s time for small Korean teams to make a global mark. We’re working hard to deliver something truly special.”