Devolver digital unleashes a fresh wave of sam in shatterverse
The Xbox Partner Showcase just got a whole lot louder. Devolver Digital, known for its delightfully chaotic games, has announced Serious Sam: Shatterverse, a new co-op first-person shooter that promises a relentless barrage of enemies and a universe-hopping adventure. But the biggest twist? Behaviour Interactive, the studio behind Dead by Daylight, is taking the reins this time, swapping Croteam’s long-standing development duties.
A legacy reimagined, a new breed of mayhem
Serious Sam: Shatterverse isn't just a retread of familiar territory. The game casts teams of five players as alternate-reality Sams, tasked with repairing a fractured multiverse. Expect procedurally shifting arenas, unstable anomalies, and a dizzying array of opportunities to either supercharge your run or end it abruptly. The sheer absurdity of the premise is captured perfectly in the press release’s description of the arsenal: “Wield a big, loud, stupid and frankly irresponsible arsenal of weapons, mixing classic Serious Sam guns and all-new toys plucked from the Shatterverse.” Yes, please.
Beyond the sheer firepower, the game emphasizes non-stop, high-octane combat across sprawling battlefields. Players will need to master perfectly timed one-liners while dodging hordes of classic Serious Sam enemies alongside fresh monstrosities under the control of the enigmatic Mental. The procedural generation promises replayability, with unlockable modifiers and permanent upgrades to expand your capabilities – a welcome addition to the franchise.
While Behaviour Interactive might be new to the Serious Sam universe, they have a proven track record of successfully revitalizing existing IPs, as evidenced by their work on Fallout Shelter and Silent Hill: Ascension. Their expertise in crafting compelling co-op experiences, honed by the success of Dead by Daylight, positions them well to deliver a truly explosive experience. “Our main goal was to respect Serious Sam’s rich legacy while presenting it in a fresh, contemporary way unlike anything seen before in the series,” explained Behaviour Interactive’s Nic Duchesne, highlighting the studio's commitment to honoring the source material while pushing its boundaries.
The decision to hand the series to another studio isn't entirely unprecedented. While Croteam has historically spearheaded the main Serious Sam games, several spinoffs have emerged from other studios over the years – though 2022's Serious Sam: Tormental, a rogue-lite developed by Gungrounds, failed to resonate with critics. But with Behaviour Interactive’s pedigree and Devolver Digital’s distinctive publishing approach, Serious Sam: Shatterverse arrives with considerable anticipation. The game is slated for release later this year on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
A new chapter for a beloved shooter
Devolver Digital’s willingness to entrust this franchise to Behaviour Interactive demonstrates a continued belief in the enduring appeal of the Serious Sam brand. The combination of frantic, run-and-gun gameplay with a unique co-op twist could prove to be a winning formula, injecting fresh energy into a series that has always embraced over-the-top action. Whether Behaviour Interactive can capture the essence of Croteam’s chaotic vision remains to be seen, but the initial signs are undeniably promising.