Bloober Team's successful Silent Hill 2 Remake has set the stage for their next project, a chance to solidify their position in the horror genre. This article explores their upcoming game and their ambitious vision for the future.
Bloober Team's Journey of Redemption
Building on Success
The overwhelmingly positive critical and fan response to the Silent Hill 2 Remake has been a significant boost for Bloober Team. Despite the substantial changes from the original, the remake's quality impressed many, silencing some initial skepticism. However, the team acknowledges the past doubts and aims to prove their capabilities extend beyond a single achievement.
At the Xbox Partner Preview on October 16th, Bloober Team unveiled their new horror title, Cronos: The New Dawn. Game Designer Wojciech Piejko emphasized their desire to move beyond the Silent Hill 2 shadow, stating to Gamespot, "We don't want to make a similar game." Development on Cronos began in 2021, shortly after the release of The Medium.
Director Jacek Zieba described Cronos: The New Dawn as their "second punch" following the "first punch" of the Silent Hill 2 Remake, highlighting their underdog status. The initial doubts surrounding their ability to handle a survivor-horror title fueled their determination to deliver.
Zieba commented on the significance of their success, stating, "Nobody believed we could deliver, and we delivered. That was a big honor, that we, as Bloober, could work with Silent Hill and Konami." The team's dedication and perseverance paid off, resulting in an 86 Metacritic score. Piejko highlighted the pressure and challenges overcome, calling the achievement "an amazing moment."
Bloober Team 3.0: A New Era
Piejko views Cronos: The New Dawn as a testament to their ability to create compelling original IP. The game features a time-traveling protagonist, "The Traveler," navigating the past and future to save lives and alter a dystopian future ravaged by pandemic and mutants.
Leveraging their experience from the Silent Hill 2 Remake, Bloober Team aims to surpass their previous work, such as Layers of Fear and Observer, which featured simpler gameplay mechanics. Zieba confirmed that the foundation for Cronos was laid thanks to the Silent Hill team's expertise.
The Silent Hill 2 Remake marks a turning point, signifying "Bloober Team 3.0." The positive reception to the Cronos reveal trailer further bolsters their confidence. Piejko expressed encouragement from both the Cronos reveal and the Silent Hill 2 Remake's success, acknowledging a positive shift in their reputation.
Zieba's vision for Bloober Team is clear: to be recognized as a leading horror developer, having found their niche and striving for continuous evolution. He reflects on their journey, stating, "We gathered a team that loves horror...and we don't want to [switch genres]." Piejko reinforces this sentiment, emphasizing the team's passion for horror.
