Sony Interactive Entertainment revealed Loulan: The Cursed Sand on October 28, developed by Chinese studio ChillyRoom under the China Hero Project initiative. The game launches as a console exclusive for PlayStation 5, with no specific release date announced yet. Set in the ancient Silk Road kingdom of Loulan, the action RPG follows a cursed skeletal warrior seeking his lost princess amid war and ruin.
The protagonist, formed from bones and sand, awakens to traverse a decaying realm using sand manipulation for combat and environmental puzzles.
Drawing from real archaeological sites like the Tarim mummies, the title blends historical elements with dark fantasy.
- Core mechanics include switching between bone and sand forms;
- Isometric view with fast-paced hack-and-slash fights;
- Sand-based puzzles for progression and exploration.
Background of China Hero Project
Sony launched the China Hero Project in 2016 to support Chinese developers with funding and technical guidance for global releases. The program has backed over 20 games, with the third phase starting in 2022 and providing multi-million yuan investments per project. ChillyRoom, a 16-member team from various regions, participates in the fourth phase announced in August 2025.
The effort aims to enrich PS5 lineup with authentic Asian stories, following titles like Where Winds Meet and Sword and Fairy 7.
Combat and exploration systems
Loulan: The Cursed Sand uses top-down isometric perspective, echoing early 2000s action classics like God of War. Players alternate bone form for melee strikes and sand form for evasion and ranged attacks. Enemies range from frozen spider clans to royal family members wielding solar powers.
Puzzles require sand control to form blades or bridges, seamlessly integrating with level design.
Large-scale bosses demand precise timing and spatial awareness.
The progression unlocks diverse combat styles through skill trees.
Historical and artistic influences
The story draws from the real lost city of Loulan, an oasis on the Silk Road buried by desert 2,000 years ago. Protagonist design mirrors preserved Tarim mummies in golden sand, combining Chinese mythology with universal fantasy tropes.
The debut trailer, released on October 28, showcases detailed visuals and atmospheric soundtrack.
ChillyRoom incorporated archaeological references to ensure cultural accuracy.
Industry early reactions
God of War creator David Jaffe called it the “true God of War for PS5” in a recent statement. Gaming communities noted similarities to Diablo in combat flow, with the trailer garnering over 70,000 views shortly after release.
Analysts project the title will boost PS5 exclusive growth by 15% in 2025.
Production details and rollout
Based in Shenzhen, ChillyRoom assembled veterans from studios like FromSoftware and PlatinumGames. Development began in July 2024 using Unreal Engine optimized for PS5 hardware.
Initial release targets PS5 as console exclusive, with PC versions planned for Steam and Epic Games Store later.
- Team size: 16 cross-regional developers;
- Funding: Full China Hero Project support;
- Platforms: PS5 primary, PC follow-up.
Post-launch updates include additional game modes.
Silk Road world building
The game world recreates northwest Chinese deserts with varied biomes from shifting dunes to frozen ruins. The warrior’s path uncovers lore through artifacts and environmental storytelling.
Cultural elements feature nomadic clans and ancient rituals grounded in historical records.
Linear structure with branching paths encourages multiple playthroughs for hidden content.
