Bloober Team has announced Saw: Genesis, an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game where one player takes on the role of Jigsaw [1].
The title marks a significant expansion of the Saw franchise into the multiplayer horror genre. By allowing players to design and trigger lethal traps for survivors, the game aims to translate the series' cinematic tension into a competitive gaming experience [3].
Unveiled during Summer Game Fest this week [1], the game features a three-vs-one format [1]. In this setup, three survivors must attempt to escape while one player acts as the antagonist. The project is being developed by Broken Mirror Games and Anshar Studios, with Bloober Team serving as the publisher [2].
While the official reveal took place at the festival, some reports indicated the game appeared prematurely on the Steam platform earlier this day [4]. The game is slated for a release on PC via Early Access [2].
This move follows a trend of horror properties adopting the asymmetrical model, where a single powerful entity faces a team of weaker protagonists. Bloober Team, known for its psychological horror titles, is leveraging the established lore of the Jigsaw killer's predecessor to create a new survival dynamic [2].
Developers said the game will offer a high-stakes environment where the Jigsaw player can manipulate the map to trap their opponents [3]. The Early Access launch on PC will allow the team to refine the balance between the survivor and killer roles before a full release [2].
“One player assumes the role of Jigsaw”
The transition of the Saw IP into an asymmetrical multiplayer format reflects the enduring popularity of the 'one-vs-many' horror subgenre. By utilizing an Early Access launch on PC, Bloober Team can iterate on the complex trap mechanics based on player feedback, ensuring the gameplay loop maintains the franchise's signature tension without sacrificing competitive balance.
