Kos Play is a dynamic voice in the world of LitRPG and fantasy fiction, known for crafting immersive universes where magic, video games, and emotional depth collide. A lifelong fan of both fantasy novels and gaming, Kos found his creative sweet spot blending the two into stories that are as heartfelt as they are action-packed. His books span interconnected worlds and unforgettable characters—often flawed, deeply human, and hilarious in their honesty. Whether he’s exploring the emotional weight of loss, the complexity of relationships, or the mechanics of living dungeons, Kos brings a unique mix of humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure to every page.
In this interview, he opens up about his creative process, the characters who matter most to him, and the real-life inspirations behind his fantastical worlds. With a quick wit and a genuine love for his readers, Kos shares a behind-the-scenes look at the stories that have captivated fans—and the ones he can’t wait to write next.
What inspired the cover design for your latest book?
I was asked to design the cover when I just started writing this one. The one thing I knew was the MC and several other characters were headed to this really dark castle. I explained that to the artist and he got to work.
If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
This is a terrible question. Alex is way out of shape at the beginning. The poor actor would have to spend a couple months eating nothing but buffets to prepare for it before going on a health kick to get ready for book 2. As for Isa, that’s another story. Elle Fanning could play her perfectly.
Which character from your books would you most like to spend a day with, and why?
Probably Helen. She’s based on a friend who passed away a long time ago. I also would love to have her cooking one more time.
Have readers ever influenced how you wrote a character or storyline?
Unfortunately, yes. There are quite a few incidents where I rethought my story based on reader feedback. One of my goals these days is to stay true to myself.
What’s the one piece of fan feedback that has stuck with you the most?
Someone told me he wants his daughters to find the kind of relationship Melvin and Kalli have from System School. I cherish that comment.
Real-life geopolitical events give me endless inspiration, not to mention a lot of laughs.
If you could live in one of the worlds you’ve created, which would it be and why?
This one! While I’ve written many other worlds, I also wrote a world within a world on Earth where a magic community thrives just outside of the public eye. It would feel great to know I was a part of that.
Do you have a favorite villain from your books, and what makes them stand out to you?
My favorite villains are spoilers because I don’t reveal either of them until late in the series. The latest one I’m not even sure how much of a villain he is. He just needs therapy.
What’s the most surprising thing readers don’t know about your books?
Probably the lengths I go to keep them all interconnected. I’m actually working on one set during World War 2, several generations before the heroes from my current series were born.
Do you include Easter eggs in your books for fans to discover?
Yes! I love Easter Eggs. I have this Canadian Logging book that pops up everywhere. There are also a ton of Easter eggs from my other series that appear in each new one. I’d say my favorite Easter Egg is a book written by a friend of mine. It’s a lyrical tale of a kid cursed by the gods that defies the heavens. Melvin found this book buried deep under the sea in System School book 1.
If you could co-write a book with any author, past or present, who would it be?
There are several authors at Aethon I’d love to write a book with. To name a few, Rhett and Steve, Tevegah, and Lise. Outside of Aethon, I’d have to go with Timothy Zahn. His Star Wars series opened me up to a new world of thought. (Oh wait, he wrote something for Aethon, so I guess he’s a co-worker too!)
What’s your go-to snack or drink while writing?
Just water. I snack when I’m done.
How do you celebrate when you finish writing a book?
Start a new one! I have ideas for new books stewing in the back of my head that reach a fever pitch while I desperately try to finish off the old series. By the time I’m done, I literally can’t wait to start the new project.
Which of your books or characters would you recommend as a starting point for new readers?
I personally recommend System School. It’s still my favorite. Hopefully that changes with my next few series.
Have any real-life locations inspired the settings in your books?
Yep! Every series that starts on Earth is from areas I’ve lived. Melvin grew up in the same apartment I did and went to the same High School. He also went to school under the Los Angeles Times headquarters where I once worked. Alex grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I lived as well.
Which fictional character (not from your books) would your protagonist be friends with?
Probably Jason from He Who Fights With Monsters
What’s your favorite fan theory about one of your books?
Probably the ones that predicted where I was going with System School. It always made me smile when they guessed about the M bloodline or Melvin’s dad.
Are there any elements in your books drawn from personal experiences?
The bully in book one was based on my real life bully from high school. I gave Melvin the closure I never got.
If your main character could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Me! I’d love to meet my characters.
What’s your favorite part of hearing from readers?
Every part of hearing from my readers makes me smile. The ones that really get to me, though, are when I’m talking to someone and they suddenly realize I wrote those books.
Which book of yours has the most unexpected ending?
The Accidental Corruption ended in a major cliff hanger. Some of my readers got mad. I’d say that was pretty unexpected. It’s not a huge deal now that you can get the box set.
If your book were adapted into a video game, what would the gameplay look like?
I’d like to make it into a turn based RPG, with a focus on gaining faction with living dungeons while completing them. The dungeon would be impossible to do without a full group if the player couldn’t get the cooperation fo the dungeon.
Is there a particular scene in one of your books that was especially fun (or hard) to write?
I always found it hard to kill characters. It’s one thing to make them die but another to put in the work to make the reader care when they die. It was almost like building a house of cards just to knock it down when I was finished.
Do you have a favorite non-human character from your stories?
Two of them. Pi and Bori. Pi is Alex’s dark passenger. He communicates with system messages and menu boxes. Nothing is known about him through book 2. Bori is Alex’s daugher. She’s part dungeon and her core resides in his stone arm as they go on adventures together.
If one of your books had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it?
I occasionally associate scenes with songs. Perhaps it was something I was listening to or a song just inspired a scene. The first romance scene I wrote was inspired by the song Senorita.
How do you name your characters?
I used to use a fantasy naming engine but lately I’ve made them up as I go along. Some close friends I’ve met in my life have been immortalized in characters in my book. One of my narrators claims he gave life to hundreds of characters in my books, so I’d guess I name a lot of them.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about writing, what would it be?
Stop planning and just do it.
What’s your proudest moment as an author?
The day Aethon accepted me. I probably signed that contract a little too quick but I was excited. It all worked out though. Aethon is awesome!
What’s one thing readers always get wrong about your books?
A lot of people call my characters stupid. The truth is, they are just human beings with flaws who make mistakes just like the rest of us. Sometimes I think readers want characters who don’t have flaws.
How do you choose which story idea to pursue next?
There are so many of them. Sometimes I fight between what I want to write and what I think will be popular. In the end, I try my best to follow my heart while adding plots that keep readers engaged.
What’s a fun fact about one of your side characters?
Wendy is the daughter of a Fujin (Japanese wind god).
Have you ever dreamed about one of your characters or stories?
Yup. Too many of my plot points are the results of a dream. The most notable is a character from System School, Eddie, is ghosted by Lavender for misbehaving. Nobody can see, hear, feel, or smell him except Melvin. I got that idea from a dream.
If you could bring one fictional object from your books into the real world, what would it be?
The BUFF: Box of Unending Fast Food. I could end world hunger with a tiny box that produced any food I could think of.
Do you ever imagine how your characters’ lives continue after the book ends?
All the time. I love the happily ever after arc. Personally, I’d keep writing about them if I thought anybody wanted to read that.
Have you ever considered writing a crossover with another author’s characters?
I considered doing a collaboration with another author. The idea of cooperating with someone else’s ideas are intriguing to me.
Do you write your books with a particular kind of reader in mind?
I write the kind of books I’d want to read. I’ve been fortunate that others do as well.
What’s one genre you’d love to try writing in, but haven’t yet?
Sci-Fi. I’d love to incorporate LitRPG into a space opera. I’m just not as versed in that genre.
Have you ever hidden a joke or pun in your books?
All the time! I love my Easter Eggs. Sometimes it just a pop culture reference, but usually It’s including things from my other series.
What kind of reader do you imagine enjoying your books the most?
Someone who enjoys romance in their LITRPG the same way I do.
Get Kos Play’s latest release, Start Menu 3, available on Amazon
After bringing Isa back and passing a series of trials, Alex has become the new King of Camelot.
Now he must rescue his friends after a betrayal by Pi.
To make matters worse, a dark entity is on the lose, hellbent on spreading darkness to the whole universe.
Alex must set out on a race against time to save not only his friends, but the entire universe as well. Which side will Pi fall on in the battle over the heart of darkness?
Book 3 of this exciting new LitRPG Adventure from Kos Play, author of the System School Series. Join Alex as he rises from zero-to-hero in a new world filled with monsters, a detailed system, magic, power progression, and so much more!
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