Glasgow-based developer Screen 7, known for cult classics like Stories Untold and Observation, has been given substantial creative freedom on its upcoming Silent Hill spin-off, Silent Hill: Townfall. According to game director Jon McKellan, Konami's oversight primarily focused on ensuring the new title harmonized with other entries in the survival-horror franchise.
Announced during Konami's 2022 Silent Hill livestream, which also revealed Silent Hill f and a Silent Hill 2 remake, Townfall represents Screen 7's highest-profile project to date. McKellan described the experience of working on the series as being "handed the keys" and having the space to "let us cook."
The development team discussed the game's story, atmosphere, and objectives with Konami. "These guys were obviously making sure that nothing overlapped too much or that things would kind of like complement each other in a way," McKellan explained. Screen 7 was not directly involved with or fully aware of the development of Silent Hill 2 or Silent Hill f, instead concentrating on their own project while trusting Konami to flag any potential narrative overlaps.
McKellan noted that the recent releases of Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill f have been a "net positive" for Screen 7. Witnessing the positive reception to these games has bolstered the developer's confidence, despite the expectation to meet the franchise's established high standards. "Seeing those games do really well, it gave us confidence that people were accepting of the new Silent Hill and that the fans were here for it," he said. "Now the spotlight's on us, so now we're terrified!"
Silent Hill: Townfall will adopt a first-person perspective, distinguishing it from some previous installments. The game shares a setting detail with Silent Hill f, relocating the series from the United States to the fictional Scottish town of St. Amelia.