Polish Studio Behind ‘Silent Hill’ Remake Plans Original Games

In a surprising twist, Polish game developer Bloober Team SA has gained significant acclaim for its remake of the classic survival horror game Silent Hill 2. Initially underestimated, the studio has achieved remarkable success, selling two million copies within just four months of its release, while also garnering numerous award nominations. This achievement has transformed the 17-year-old company, led by founder Piotr Babieno, from a studio known for quick, low-effort games into a serious contender in the gaming industry. Since the launch of Silent Hill 2, Bloober's stock has seen a boost of over 13%, and the studio's earnings skyrocketed sevenfold last year, reaching approximately $6 million. Riding this wave of success, the developer is already working on a remake of the original Silent Hill, which debuted in 1999, in collaboration with Konami Group Corp. However, Babieno is eager to look beyond remakes. With a workforce of 250, Bloober Team is set to release its first shooter-horror hybrid game, titled Cronos: The New Dawn, later this year. The studio is also collaborating with other Polish developers on five unique horror titles aimed for a 2027 release. These projects represent a bold move in an industry often dominated by sequels and live-service games like Fortnite. "Our ambition is to establish Bloober Team as the leading name in horror gaming globally," Babieno expressed during an interview in Beijing, where he attended game exhibitions. He acknowledged the challenges and costs involved in creating original intellectual property but emphasized the passion behind such endeavors. In Cronos: The New Dawn, players will navigate a dystopian 1980s Poland, battling grotesque creatures while preventing them from merging together—a concept Babieno describes as a commentary on contemporary society's information bubbles. The game draws inspiration from popular thriller films and horror franchises, including Resident Evil. Bloober's journey is rooted in its humble beginnings as an outsourcing studio that lacked a clear focus. The studio's name originated from a hastily registered business while developing a game called Double Bloob for the Nintendo DSi. Over the years, Babieno has evolved the studio's focus toward psychological horror, also known as walking simulators, where players explore eerie environments and solve intricate puzzles. Despite mixed reviews for some of its past projects, Babieno insists that the studio is learning from its experiences. "It's not about revolutionizing, but rather about evolution," he noted. Securing a partnership with Konami for the Silent Hill 2 remake was a significant milestone, as convincing the Japanese firm was a lengthy process that initiated back in 2015. The collaboration was officially announced in 2022, surprising many fans. Another major player, Tencent Holdings Ltd., recognized Bloober's potential and acquired a 22% stake in the studio in 2021, becoming its largest shareholder. This partnership is expected to bolster the marketing efforts for Cronos, particularly in its anticipated release in China. Back in Kraków, Babieno shared that most of his team is focused on either the Silent Hill remake or preparing for future original projects, which he assures will not be sequels. Additionally, a smaller team is collaborating with third-party studios to develop innovative games that blend horror with various genres, allowing Bloober's core staff to concentrate on crafting captivating, story-driven, single-player horror experiences. "We aspire to partner with the best in their respective fields," Babieno concluded, signaling a promising future for Bloober Team as it ventures into uncharted territories in the gaming landscape.