With the upcoming release ofCuphead: The Delicious Last Course, it seems the final chapter is closing on the 1930s-inspired run-and-gun shooter, marking the end of a long journey from the game’s initial announcement to the last update with DLC. Riding high on the success of its hit game, many are wondering what will be next for StudioMDHR and whether its future games will take it further away from theCupheadtitle or if this is just the start of a burgeoning franchise.
Given thatCupheadreceived overwhelming positive reception and critical acclaim, to never again return to the title for a sequel would be more than just a missed opportunity on Studio MDHR’s behalf. However, with comments from StudioMDHR casting doubt about the possibility of a second adventure for Cuphead, Mugman, and Ms. Chalice, coupled withCuphead’sdelayed development time, it looks likeCuphead 2could be a long way off from now.
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On the assumption that StudioMDHR does plan to release a follow-up sequel toCupheadeventually, it’s already clear that the developer has some significant challenges to overcome. Acknowledging the limited capacity StudioMDHR might have - though an argument could be made for the dev’s expansion given its credibility and track record - other issues the company would need to face is how could the overall design ofCupheadbe improved and expanded to justify a new game. As the studio has admitted,its ideas were all included inThe Delicious Last Course, meaning there may not be much elsewhere to go.
Moreover, the question of how long would it then take to develop the actual game, supposing StudioMDHR has decided on the details behind “Cuphead 2.” The original game itself saw an extensive development time owing to various factors, winding up withCupheadtaking 5 years to complete for release.Logically, then,Cuphead 2would take another 5 or more years, notwithstanding any improvements the team might employ to create a better sequel such as including more areas to explore, more characters to play, more bosses to fight, and so on and so forth. This assumption could mean, even if StudioMDHR started development today,Cuphead 2wouldn’t be launched until at least 2027.
Even in spite of the game itself being ultimately wrapped up withThe Delicious Last Courseand assurances from the team that no further updates beyond bug fixes will be made,Cuphead’slongevity and popularity are still thriving in the gaming scene. For example,Cupheadwas included inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateas a Mii Costume, a significant achievement for an indie studio to not only be acknowledged by a titan of the industry like Nintendo but to be actively collaborated with and paid tribute to. Additionally,The Cuphead Showhas been renewed for a second season with Netflix providing fresh hope that perhaps the series could survive as a cartoon until StudioMDHR revisited the title, though Netflix is running into its own troubles with numerous canceled shows despite their popularity.
It’s abundantly clear that StudioMDHR acknowledges that there is a lot of fan support forCupheadand isn’t simply closing the door on the game forever. Pragmatically, the decision for the studio to consider its other options and where it might like to go next for a new game is a far better approach than relying onCuphead’ssuccessto maintain momentum for a second game it might not be ready for. Current hopes from the fanbase are that should StudioMDHR keep to its iconic rubber hose design for future games, then maybe the company could develop its own universe of games, just as players have seen betweenAlan WakeandControlorHalf-LifeandAperture. Games that may be indirectly related, but not reliant on their siblings to prove their own worth as games. Until StudioMDHR confirms otherwise, however,Cuphead 2could be many, many years away.
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Courseis set to be released June 17, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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