Torizon Telecom: An FPS Built Entirely out of Letters and Words

August 12, 2026 - 06:43

Yechan Choi, the solo developer behind the upcoming text-based first-person shooter Torizon Telecom, recently sat down to explain how a simple typing exercise evolved into a complete action game. In a new interview, Choi revealed that the project began as a basic typing trainer, but he quickly saw potential for something more ambitious. Instead of just hitting keys to match words on a screen, he wanted players to feel like they were actually dodging fire and returning shots.

The core twist is that every element in the game, from enemy models to weapon effects, is constructed entirely from letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. There are no sprites or 3D models. Instead, the game renders a battlefield using pure ASCII characters, which gives it a unique look that feels both retro and fresh. Choi explained that the progression system is tied directly to typing accuracy and speed. The faster and more precisely you type, the more damage you deal and the quicker your character moves. Missed keystrokes leave you vulnerable, and enemies close in if you hesitate.

Choi also discussed the challenges of building the game alone. He handled all programming, level design, and the complex text rendering engine by himself. He noted that the hardest part was balancing the action so that it remains tense without becoming frustrating for players who are not professional typists. The game includes difficulty settings that adjust the complexity of the words and the speed of enemy attacks.

Torizon Telecom is shaping up to be a clever blend of language and reflex, proving that a solo developer can still find new angles in a crowded genre. Choi said he hopes players will see it as more than a gimmick, and that the typing mechanic becomes a natural extension of the combat itself. A release date has not been announced yet, but the project is actively in development.