An Iconic Action Hero Returns in a Divisive New Shooter from the Dead by Daylight Studio

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Serious Sam: Shatterverse marks a radical departure from its predecessors, leaving longtime fans grappling with the series’ bold new direction. Developed by Behaviour Interactive—the team behind Dead by Daylight—rather than series creators Croteam, this entry pivots away from the traditional level-based structure in favor of a roguelike progression system. While the franchise is celebrated for its irreverent humor, expansive arenas, and chaotic dual-wielding action, Shatterverse trades that classic template for a more stylized, cartoonish aesthetic and a multiverse-spanning narrative that unites various versions of Sam.

The announcement at March’s Xbox Partner Preview sparked a divisive reaction, with many drawing uncomfortable comparisons to 2025’s Painkiller, another classic shooter revival that struggled to find its footing after a genre shift. However, producer Nic Duchesne urges players to keep an open mind. In an exclusive interview with Polygon, he details how this iteration aims to modernize the Sam experience through co-op mechanics and specialized hero abilities.

The story sees the series’ antagonist, Mental, evolving into “Uber Mental” and fracturing reality, providing a convenient narrative bridge to bring multiple Sams together. According to Duchesne, this multiversal premise gave the team the creative freedom to explore fresh mechanics. The vibrant, “party-like” art style was a deliberate choice to ensure the game feels energetic and high-stakes from the moment it hits the screen.

Gameplay in Shatterverse is non-linear, tasking players with surviving three-tier runs that culminate in intense boss battles. Between skirmishes, players can visit “break rooms” to refine their arsenal and equip “Intel”—buffs that persist throughout the run. While the game introduces hero-shooter elements through distinct ultimate abilities, Duchesne assures fans that the series’ hallmark gunplay remains intact. “We have a ton of weapons,” he notes, “so dual-wielding is definitely coming back.”

While vehicles were a staple of Serious Sam 4, they are notably absent here. Duchesne explains that with five-player co-op, the action is already dialed to the maximum, and adding vehicle physics would only complicate the game’s breakneck pacing. The choice to support squads of five was born from a simple design philosophy: “We kept increasing the count until the game finally broke.”

Solo players are well-catered to as well, with the game specifically built for longevity through a peer-to-peer connection model. By eschewing dedicated servers, the developers hope to ensure that Shatterverse remains playable for years to come, mirroring the enduring legacy of The First Encounter. While the shift in design has invited skepticism, Duchesne remains optimistic. “Expect the unexpected,” he says. “We hope players allow themselves to fall in love with something truly unique.”

Serious Sam: Shatterverse is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC later this year.

Source: Polygon