The Silent Hill franchise has stagnated for years, with Konami’s poor decisions leading to questionable movie adaptations and slot machines. Thus, fans were skeptical when Bloober Team, known for its “controversial” portrayals of mental illness in games, was chosen to develop the long-anticipated Silent Hill 2 Remake.
Even twenty-three years after its release, Silent Hill 2 remains influential in the horror gaming genre. Its fog-filled environments and claustrophobic atmosphere set a standard many games try to emulate, with plenty of indie horror games hoping to achieve a similar standard. Fans regard it with deep nostalgia and were cautious when Konami announced the remake in 2022.
Piotr Babieno, Bloober’s CEO and creative lead, acknowledges the challenge of reimagining such a revered game. As a result, Bloober Team aims to capture the essence rather than surpass the original. Babieno describes their approach as less of a remake and more of a “romantic vision of the game from more than 20 years ago.” This could be a strategic move for Konami, given its recent unsuccessful Silent Hill releases.
Babieno likens the remake to a fresh start for Bloober, which has been known for psychological horror and slow storytelling, as seen in games like Layers of Fear and The Medium, a personal favorite of mine. He states that Bloober is evolving, dubbing this phase “Bloober Team 3.0.”
From a small team of about 10 during the making of Layers of Fear, Bloober now has over 250 employees, indicating significant growth. Horror remains a core part of Bloober’s identity, but Babieno emphasizes a shift towards more action-oriented games. He views the Silent Hill 2 Remake as a culmination of Bloober’s work and a gateway to new projects.
Babieno recalls his own transformative experience with Silent Hill 2, which reshaped his perception of horror in games. His love for the game’s symbolism and psychological depth drives his commitment to the remake. He stresses the importance of creating meaningful games that resonate deeply with players.
Regarding the impact the original SH2 had on him when he first watched his brother play it, Babieno says:
I read a lot of books from Stephen King, from Dostoyevsky. I watched a lot of movies by Lynch, Fincher, Kieślowski. Games weren’t the medium that made me feel like you could go very deep into someone’s psychology.
However, after witnessing the game’s story and atmosphere in action, the game:
Basically, it’s changed my life. Despite technological progress, so many of us remember the town of Silent Hill as one of the most important points in our lives.
Despite the challenges, including balancing fan expectations with innovation, Babieno remains hopeful. He acknowledges the critical scrutiny but believes in earning trust through action. He appreciates constructive criticism from fans but also emphasizes the need for a supportive work environment for his team.
Besides the SH2 Remake, Bloober is also developing a new survival horror IP, “Project C.” Though details are scarce, Babieno hints it will reflect the studio’s growth and new direction, showcasing their learned expertise and vision for the future.
