Dead by Daylight Developer Reveals New Serious Sam Game

Behaviour Interactive, the studio behind Dead by Daylight, has been revealed as the developer of Serious Sam: Shatterverse at today's Xbox Partner Showcase. As reported by IGN, the 5-player co-op FPS will launch later this year on Xbox Series, PS5, and PC, marking an unexpected but intriguing studio handover for the franchise.

What is Serious Sam: Shatterverse?

Serious Sam: Shatterverse reimagines the classic run-and-gun formula as a co-operative experience. Five players take on the roles of alternate-dimension Sams, travelling across shifting universes to repair the titular "Shatterverse" using what Devolver describes as a "big, loud, stupid and frankly irresponsible arsenal of weapons."

The game combines classic Serious Sam weapons with new tools "plucked from the Shatterverse," maintaining the series' signature over-the-top combat whilst adding procedurally shifted runs across hand-crafted arenas. Players will navigate unstable anomalies, hidden portals, and high-risk opportunities that can either supercharge a run or end it instantly.

Key features include permanent upgrades that expand possibilities, massive enemy hordes featuring both classic foes and new monsters under Mental's control, and the series' trademark "perfectly timed one-liners when everything's on fire."

Why did Behaviour Interactive get the job?

According to Behaviour Interactive's Nic Duchesne, the studio's goal was "to respect Serious Sam's rich legacy while presenting it in a fresh, contemporary way unlike anything seen before in the series." This approach makes sense given Behaviour's track record with collaborative multiplayer experiences.

The Canadian studio has extensive experience working with other companies' intellectual properties, having assisted on games like Fallout Shelter and Silent Hill: Ascension. Most importantly, they already operate one of gaming's most successful co-op titles in Dead by Daylight, which has maintained a strong player base since 2016.

"Working with Devolver has been an incredible, enriching experience for our team," Duchesne added. "The folks there are real renegades of the video game publishing world: they always put the game first and aren't afraid to carve their own path."

How does this compare to previous Serious Sam games?

While the main Serious Sam series has historically been developed by Croatian studio Croteam, spinoffs aren't unprecedented. The franchise has seen various interpretations over the years, though not all have been successful. The most recent spinoff, Serious Sam: Tormental in 2022, was a twin-stick rogue-lite that received only mixed reviews.

Shatterverse represents a more significant departure, shifting from single-player or traditional co-op to a dedicated 5-player experience. The procedural elements and persistent upgrades suggest a more modern approach to game design, potentially appealing to UAE gamers who've embraced live-service and co-operative titles.

However, the core DNA remains intact: high-adrenaline combat, massive battlefields, non-stop pressure, and the backpedalling gameplay that defined the original series. Croteam has given their blessing to the project, suggesting confidence in Behaviour's vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Serious Sam: Shatterverse?

Serious Sam: Shatterverse is a new co-op FPS where five players, as alternate-dimension Sams, travel across shifting universes to repair the 'Shatterverse' using classic and new weapons.

Who is developing Serious Sam: Shatterverse?

Behaviour Interactive, the Canadian studio behind Dead by Daylight, is developing the game with Devolver Digital as publisher and Croteam's blessing.

When is Serious Sam: Shatterverse releasing?

The game is planned for launch later this year on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, though no specific release date has been announced.

How many players can play together?

Serious Sam: Shatterverse supports up to five players in co-operative gameplay, each playing as a Sam from alternate dimensions.

Will it be available in the UAE?

Yes, the game will be available on all major platforms in the UAE when it launches globally later this year, though specific regional pricing hasn't been announced.

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