Riftbusters is Phantom Gamelabs’ co-op-at-the-core action RPG built for quick, high-energy sessions and meaningful loot. Ahead of its global launch on September 3rd, 2025, the title is shaping up to be an exciting option for the fans of the genre.
In our interview with Sonja Ängeslevä, CEO and Co-founder at Phantom Gamelabs, she explains how the team is blending approachable gameplay with ARPG depth, why hybrid monetization fits their player-first philosophy, and how community feedback is shaping the roadmap, including Extreme Mode and more ways to play together.
Building a Co-op Experience from the Ground Up
Phantom Gamelabs’ roots run deep in RPGs and builder games, with the team’s experience spanning titles like Nonstop Knight and FarmVille. With Riftbusters, Ängeslevä says, the mission was clear: “We set out to combine these strengths to create something new, the first in our ‘co-op at the core’ line of games. Our mission is to deliver fresh experiences for midcore gamers while also broadening the genre’s audience.”
From the very start, the game was built for cooperative play, not as an optional extra, but as the beating heart of the experience. “Co-op missions aren’t a side mode, as in many games, they’re the very core of the experience,” she said.
Most runs are played in teams of three, with players taking on distinct roles and leaning on experienced teammates to beat tougher levels and bosses. What sets Riftbusters apart, she explained, is “how approachable that co-op feels: runs are short, and the gameplay is easy to pick up yet rewarding to master.”
Breaking Away from Fantasy Norms with Visuals, Depth, Gear, and the Joy of Loot
While fantasy has long dominated RPGs, Ängeslevä and her team wanted to bring something different to the market. From the outset, they worked closely with players to explore new themes and takes on the ARPG genre, aiming to broaden its appeal with approachable gameplay, deeper interaction, and a distinctive visual style.
In Riftbusters, players can equip a wide range of guns, gadgets, and gear to take on tough enemies and express their style through character customization. Upgrading gear is essential for tackling harder levels and advancing through the game.
Alongside three-player runs, the single-player leaderboard mode, Vanguard, adds an extra layer of strategy by boosting damage when players match the correct elemental type, rewarding both experimentation and smart planning.
Loot variety is another pillar. “Whether you want to play as a healer, tank, single-target DPS, AoE specialist, or even combine roles, you can,” she said. Some of the most exciting tools come from the game’s S-grade items, which are full of surprises and pack a serious punch. Ängeslevä’s personal favorite? The Leecher. “It offers life leech, crowd control, and strong AoE damage all in one.”
Designed for Casual and Committed Players with a Hybrid Monetization Approach
Phantom Gamelabs wanted Riftbusters to feel welcoming, no matter how much time a player has to invest. “We’ve put a lot of effort into creating controls that are easy to learn and intuitive to handle,” Ängeslevä explained. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, the game encourages players to support one another in learning and succeeding together.
“Riftbusters is designed for quick, rewarding sessions, even if you only have a few minutes to play. Co-op missions wrap up in under five minutes, and daily bounties take even less,” she adds. It’s ideal for players who want to jump straight into the action without tracking every meta shift or grinding daily to feel rewarded.
“In today’s market, hybrid monetization is the most effective approach,” Ängeslevä said. The goal, she emphasized, is to ensure that all players, both spenders and non-spenders, can enjoy meaningful rewards and benefits throughout the game. Riftbusters features an item-based gacha system and experiments with in-game ads, a combination that’s uncommon in midcore titles.
Culture and Creative Freedom at Phantom Gamelabs
The team prides itself on diversity and adaptability. “The market is evolving, and the so-called veterans or gurus don’t always hold all the answers to success,” she noted. The studio is small but draws from a wide range of experiences and perspectives. With transparent decision-making and an appetite for experimentation, they stay highly responsive to player feedback.
Supercell’s investment brought resources and insights without taking away independence. “We are an independent studio, making all our creative decisions on our own. At the same time, having the support and insights from an industry powerhouse like Supercell is an incredible advantage,” Ängeslevä said.
She also pointed out that competition has reached a new level, and future success will hinge on stronger alliances or, in some cases, consolidations.
Launching in a Changing Mobile Landscape
One of the biggest development challenges was balancing mobile accessibility with satisfying ARPG complexity. “We reworked item depth and modifiers several times to hit that sweet spot,” she admitted. “It took time, but it made a big difference in how the game feels today.”
For Sonja, the timing for Riftbusters feels right. “We’re seeing more players seeking fast, high-quality gameplay in snack-sized sessions, and Riftbusters is designed precisely for that,” Ängeslevä said. “Whether you play for five minutes or a few hours, it delivers tight, exciting co-op action.”
Social play is evolving too. “We’re witnessing richer ways for players to connect, whether by co-creating or actively communicating with each other. We remain curious and open to cross-platform gaming, which would offer great value to players.”
Looking Ahead: Extreme Mode and Beyond
Post-launch, the studio’s focus is on growing the community and shaping the game with player input. The next major update will bring Extreme Mode to the campaign, adding brand-new challenges, even for seasoned veterans.
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