Bloober Team's successful Silent Hill 2 Remake has fueled their ambition to prove their capabilities extend beyond a single project. This article explores their next venture and their vision for the future.
Bloober Team's Continued Journey
Building on Success
The overwhelmingly positive response to the Silent Hill 2 Remake has given Bloober Team a significant boost. Despite the substantial changes from the original, fans embraced the remake, proving a resounding success for the studio. However, Bloober Team acknowledges past skepticism and aims to solidify their reputation as a major player in the horror genre.
Their latest horror title, Cronos: The New Dawn, unveiled at the Xbox Partner Preview on October 16th, marks a deliberate departure from the Silent Hill 2 style. Game Designer Wojciech Piejko emphasized their intention to create something distinct, stating, "We don't want to make a similar game [to Silent Hill 2]," in a Gamespot interview. 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, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the horror gaming world. The initial doubts surrounding their ability to handle a Silent Hill title have been convincingly dispelled.
Zieba reflected on the journey, 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 perseverance, culminating in an 86 Metacritic score, is a testament to their dedication. Piejko highlighted the immense pressure and online criticism they faced, emphasizing the significance of their achievement.
Bloober Team 3.0: A New Era
Cronos: The New Dawn represents a significant step forward for Bloober Team, showcasing their ability to develop a compelling original IP. The game features time travel, placing the player in the role of "The Traveler," tasked with altering a dystopian future ravaged by pandemic and mutants.
Leveraging the experience gained from the Silent Hill 2 Remake, Bloober Team aims to improve upon their earlier works, such as Layers of Fear and Observer, which had more limited gameplay mechanics. Zieba confirmed that the foundation for Cronos was laid during the Silent Hill 2 project.
The Silent Hill 2 Remake marks a turning point for Bloober Team, signifying their evolution into "Bloober Team 3.0." Encouraged by the positive reception of the Cronos reveal trailer and the Silent Hill 2 Remake, the studio is optimistic about the future.
Zieba's vision for Bloober Team is clear: to become a leading name in horror gaming. He believes they have found their niche and are committed to evolving within it. Piejko reinforces this commitment, stating that the team's passion for horror makes a shift to other genres unlikely.
