Blue Prince creator Tonda Ros was “surprised” at how popular the game became as it was a game designed purely for them 

After 10 years in development, Tonda ‘Dougbomb’ Ros’ indie puzzle roguelike Blue Prince is one of the biggest successes of the year. In a year with major hits like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Dougbomb’s game is essentially 2025’s Balatro. 

In an interview with VideoGamer, Ros explained that the sheer success of Blue Prince was a surprise. After a decade of working on the puzzle game, the developer hoped the title would click with others, but the viral sensation the game became was entirely unexpected. 

Blue Prince developer on the game’s massive success 

Speaking to VideoGamer, the indie dev explained that Blue Prince was never made with a wide market in mind. The developer had a specific idea for a game they wanted to play; and created it for themselves. 

“I made the game specifically for the type of player I am, with zero concern for wide appeal,” the developer told us. “If I thought of an idea that would excite me as a player, I would incorporate it into the game.”

“I feel strongly that our best work is done when people are not trying to please everyone.”

BLUE PRINCE DEVELOPER TONDA ‘DOUGBOMB’ ROS

Nevertheless, Blue Prince has sold millions of copies with even more players on Xbox Game Pass. It’s become a major hit with players, garnering critical acclaim immediately on release, although some gamers did not enjoy some of the game’s more obscure puzzles. 

“Some of these ideas I knew would not be popular,” Ros explained. “But I feel strongly that our best work is done when people are not trying to please everyone.”

When asked how surprised he was at the sheer level of success Blue Prince has received, Ros explained that he is “somewhat surprised by the extent of the game’s popularity” but he always knew the game would strike a chord with others whose tastes align with his. 

Blue Prince is one of the best games to release this year, and it’s certainly worth a go if you have access to Xbox Game Pass. On release, the game received the highest Metacritic rating of 2025 and while it may have been surpassed since then, it certainly deserves it.