Bloober Team has announced that Saw: Genesis, the asymmetrical multiplayer horror game based on the Saw film franchise, has been delayed from its planned 2026 early access launch to 2027. The studio cited a need for more time to ensure the game meets their satisfaction.
This decision comes as the competitive landscape for licensed multiplayer horror games, a genre popularized by titles like Dead by Daylight, continues to grow. Bloober Team stated that a strong first impression is crucial in this crowded market, suggesting that a delay is necessary to avoid a negative reception. The studio previously showcased Saw: Genesis at Summer Game Fest, where its 3v1 gameplay loop, set a century before the movies, proved difficult to grasp during a hands-off demonstration.
In the game, one player assumes the role of a "Judge" who orchestrates a series of traps and puzzles for three other players to navigate. The objective for the victims is to escape before succumbing to the traps, while the Judge aims to eliminate them. The demo suggested that the team of victims would have limited opportunities to attack the Judge, who could potentially evade them by utilizing inaccessible areas.
Initial impressions of the game noted a lack of clarity in its core mechanics and puzzles, alongside underdeveloped animations and visuals. While these elements could potentially be improved through post-launch updates, concerns remain about the intuitiveness of the central gameplay experience. The delay may allow Bloober Team to address these issues and ensure Saw: Genesis is better positioned against similar titles, such as Red Barrels' Outlast Trials.
Despite the franchise's inconsistent film quality, the prospect of a well-executed Saw video game remains appealing. Bloober Team has expressed a commitment to producing higher quality titles, and this extended development period for Saw: Genesis is seen as a positive step toward that goal, particularly as the studio aims to refine the game before its eventual release.