Serious Sam: Shatterverse devs explain why players should ’expect the unexpected'
Serious Sam: Shatterverse represents a significant departure for the long-running shooter franchise. Unlike previous entries developed by Croteam, the studio behind The Talos Principle, this new installment is being developed by Behaviour Interactive, the studio best known for Dead by Daylight.
The changes extend far beyond the developer swap. Shatterverse abandons the traditional level-based structure that has defined the series since its inception, instead adopting a roguelike progression system. Visually, the game embraces a more cartoonish aesthetic reminiscent of the divisive Serious Sam 2, a departure from the series’ typically more grounded presentation.
The game also brings together Sam from different eras of the franchise, creating a multiverse-inspired narrative that blurs the timeline across the shooter series. This experimental approach marks Shatterverse as perhaps the most unconventional Serious Sam game to date.
The franchise has long been defined by its distinctive elements: irreverent humor, expansive levels, and unique mechanics like dual-wielding and vehicle combat that set it apart from competitors like Doom and Duke Nukem. With Shatterverse, developers are encouraging players to “expect the unexpected,” signaling that these signature features may not carry forward in their traditional forms.
The announcement has left the fanbase divided. While some welcome the experimental direction, others express uncertainty about whether these fundamental changes will preserve what makes Serious Sam distinctive.