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Bloober Team Pivots to Multi-Project Strategy, Unveiling Ambitious Plan for Seven Simultaneous Horror Titles

by Reynand Wu August 6, 2025

written by Reynand Wu

Kraków, Poland – Bloober Team, the acclaimed Polish video game developer renowned for its psychological horror titles, has officially announced a sweeping organizational shift to a multi-project development structure, confirming that the studio is now actively working on an unprecedented seven horror games concurrently. This strategic pivot marks a significant expansion of the studio’s operational model, moving away from a primary focus on single, sequential projects to an ambitious parallel development pipeline designed to solidify its position as a dominant force within the horror genre. The announcement follows earlier indications of an impending organizational restructuring, culminating in this official confirmation of a bold new chapter for the developer.

This profound change in development philosophy is not merely an increase in workload but a fundamental re-engineering of the studio’s internal dynamics and external partnerships. While the specifics of all seven projects remain largely under wraps, two titles have already garnered public attention: the highly anticipated Layers of Fear 3 (or a new iteration within the franchise) and Project M, a mysterious new venture reportedly slated for exclusive release on Nintendo platforms. The existence of five additional, undisclosed projects underscores the sheer scale of Bloober Team’s current ambitions, signaling a comprehensive and diversified approach to game creation that aims to capture various segments of the horror market across multiple platforms.

The Strategic Imperative: Adapting to a Dynamic Industry Landscape

Bloober Team’s decision to embrace a multi-project system is a calculated response to the increasingly competitive and volatile nature of the video game industry. In an era where development cycles can stretch for years and market trends can shift rapidly, relying on a singular flagship title carries inherent risks. A multi-project strategy, if managed effectively, allows studios to diversify their revenue streams, mitigate the impact of a single project’s underperformance, and maintain a continuous presence in the market. This approach is not entirely new in the industry, with larger publishers and some independent studios often juggling multiple titles, but for a studio of Bloober Team’s size and specialized focus, it represents a substantial leap.

The shift comes at a critical juncture for the studio, which has steadily built a reputation for crafting atmospheric and narrative-driven psychological horror experiences. From the surreal artistry of Layers of Fear to the cyberpunk dystopia of Observer and the dual-reality mechanics of The Medium, Bloober Team has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre. Their involvement in the highly anticipated Silent Hill 2 Remake for Konami has further elevated their profile, placing them firmly in the global spotlight and demonstrating their capability to handle beloved, established intellectual properties. This increased visibility and perceived capability likely provided the impetus and confidence for such a significant internal expansion. The long development timelines for AAA titles, often spanning 3-5 years or more, also create periods of revenue uncertainty; a multi-project approach can smooth out these financial peaks and troughs.

Bolstering Leadership: A Confluence of Industry Veterans

Integral to this strategic overhaul is a significant restructuring of Bloober Team’s management and leadership, designed to support the increased operational complexity and foster greater efficiency. According to reports from GamesIndustry.Biz, the studio has made several high-profile appointments, bringing in seasoned industry veterans to guide its expanded ambitions.

Thaine Lyman, a former executive at Activision, has been appointed as the new Head of Studio. Lyman’s extensive background at one of the world’s largest video game publishers, known for managing massive franchises like Call of Duty, brings invaluable experience in large-scale production, operational management, and strategic oversight. His role will be crucial in streamlining workflows, coordinating multiple development teams, and ensuring that Bloober Team’s creative vision translates into cohesive and high-quality products across all projects.

Complementing this, Katya Baukova, previously associated with CD Projekt Red – another Polish titan of the gaming industry known for The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077 – has joined as the Director of Business Development. Baukova’s expertise will be pivotal in forging new partnerships, securing publishing deals, and expanding Bloober Team’s market reach globally. Her experience from a studio with a strong international presence and a reputation for meticulous planning will be instrumental in navigating the complex business landscape of multi-project development.

Further strengthening the publishing arm, Michał Gembicki, also a former CD Projekt Red employee, has been named Head of Publishing. Gembicki’s role will focus on bringing Bloober Team’s diverse portfolio to market effectively, managing marketing campaigns, distribution channels, and player engagement strategies. The collective experience of these new hires from major AAA studios suggests a clear intent from Bloober Team to adopt best practices in large-scale development and global publishing, positioning themselves for sustained growth and broader market penetration.

Bloober Team Kembangkan 7 Game Horor Sekaligus • Jagat Play

CEO Piotr Babieno’s Vision: A Calculated Approach to Growth

Piotr Babieno, CEO of Bloober Team, has been the vocal architect of this transformative strategy. He articulated the rationale behind the multi-project system, emphasizing the company’s commitment to maintaining creative excellence despite the increased volume of work. Babieno explained that the company will maintain two primary internal teams dedicated to first-party projects. This core structure allows Bloober Team to retain direct creative control over its most significant and strategically important titles, ensuring they embody the studio’s distinctive artistic and narrative hallmarks.

Babieno stressed that in the current industry climate, relying solely on a single project is an unsustainable and overly risky proposition. The financial commitment, extended development times, and unpredictable market reception of a single title can pose existential threats to even established studios. By diversifying their project portfolio, Bloober Team aims to create a more resilient business model, capable of weathering market fluctuations and ensuring continuous output.

Crucially, while two projects will remain under direct internal management, the remaining five horror titles will be developed through a co-development model with external partners. Specifically, Bloober Team has confirmed a partnership with Broken Mirror Games to handle some of these additional projects. This strategy is designed to expand production capacity without overstretching Bloober Team’s internal resources or diluting its core creative talent. Co-development allows for shared development burdens, leveraging the expertise of other studios while still benefiting from Bloober Team’s overarching creative direction and brand identity. This approach is increasingly common in the industry, enabling studios to scale up production without the massive overhead of hiring and managing large numbers of new full-time staff for every single project. The challenge, however, lies in maintaining consistent quality control and creative synergy across different development teams.

Bloober Team’s Legacy: A Foundation of Psychological Horror Excellence

To fully appreciate the significance of this strategic shift, it’s essential to contextualize it within Bloober Team’s rich history and their evolution within the horror genre. Founded in 2008, the studio initially experimented with various genres before finding its true calling in psychological horror. Their breakthrough came with the original Layers of Fear in 2016, a first-person horror game celebrated for its ever-shifting environments and deep dive into the psyche of a disturbed artist. This title established their signature style: atmospheric storytelling, immersive environments, and a focus on psychological dread over jump scares.

Subsequent titles further solidified their reputation. Observer (2017) immersed players in a dystopian cyberpunk world, blending horror with detective elements and exploring themes of identity and surveillance. Blair Witch (2019) offered a more traditional survival horror experience infused with psychological elements, leveraging the iconic horror franchise. The Medium (2021), a timed Xbox Series X/S exclusive, was particularly notable for its innovative dual-reality gameplay mechanic, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in interactive storytelling.

Their current high-profile involvement in the Silent Hill 2 Remake is perhaps the most significant testament to their standing. Konami entrusting one of its most revered horror IPs to Bloober Team speaks volumes about the Polish studio’s perceived mastery of the genre. The success of this remake is not only critical for Konami but also serves as a benchmark for Bloober Team’s capabilities, potentially opening doors to even larger projects and further strengthening their brand as the go-to studio for psychological horror. This strong foundation and a proven track record of delivering critically acclaimed horror experiences provide a strong base for their ambitious multi-project endeavor.

Industry Trends: The Precedent and Perils of Multi-Project Development

Bloober Team’s move aligns with a broader industry trend where many successful studios and publishers manage multiple projects simultaneously. Companies like Ubisoft, with its vast array of Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s titles, or even Remedy Entertainment, known for Control and Alan Wake, which often has several projects in various stages of development, exemplify this model. The advantages are clear: diversified revenue, better talent retention (as developers can move between projects rather than facing layoffs after a single project ships), and a continuous flow of content to market.

However, the multi-project strategy is not without its significant perils. The primary concern often revolves around quality control. Spreading resources, creative leadership, and development teams too thin can lead to a dilution of quality, resulting in titles that feel rushed, uninspired, or lacking the polish expected from a studio. For a company like Bloober Team, whose brand is built on carefully crafted narratives and immersive atmospheres, maintaining a high standard across seven projects will be a formidable challenge.

Resource allocation, both human and financial, becomes exponentially more complex. Managing multiple teams, each with its unique needs, timelines, and creative challenges, requires robust project management infrastructure and exceptional leadership. The risk of internal competition for resources or creative talent, or simply burning out staff, is ever-present. Furthermore, if one or more projects encounter significant development hurdles, it can have a ripple effect across the entire pipeline, impacting budgets and timelines for other titles.

Potential Implications and Challenges for Bloober Team

The implications of Bloober Team’s ambitious strategy are multifaceted, carrying both immense potential and significant risks.

Quality Consistency: The most immediate and pressing concern is whether Bloober Team can maintain the high standard of quality that has defined their work. Their reputation rests on delivering deeply immersive and unsettling experiences. Producing seven games simultaneously, even with co-development partners, risks diluting the creative focus and potentially leading to less polished or impactful titles. The challenge will be to ensure each game, regardless of its development team, upholds the "Bloober Team" seal of quality.
Brand Identity and Market Saturation: While diversification is key, there’s a delicate balance to strike. Releasing too many horror games too frequently, particularly if they share similar thematic elements or gameplay mechanics, could lead to market saturation and potential brand dilution. Players might become fatigued, and the distinctiveness of Bloober Team’s style might diminish if not carefully managed across diverse projects.
Financial Management and Risk Mitigation: On the financial front, the strategy aims to mitigate risk by diversifying revenue. However, it also entails a significant increase in operational costs and capital expenditure. The success of this model will heavily depend on efficient budget allocation, strong sales performance across multiple titles, and the ability to accurately forecast market demand for a diverse horror portfolio.
Talent Acquisition and Retention: Scaling up to seven projects requires a substantial increase in development talent. Attracting and retaining top-tier developers, artists, writers, and designers in a highly competitive industry will be crucial. The new leadership appointments from Activision and CD Projekt Red indicate a serious commitment to strengthening the studio’s capacity, but the demand for talent will be continuous.
Co-development Synergy: The success of the five co-developed projects hinges on seamless collaboration with Broken Mirror Games and other potential partners. Ensuring creative alignment, technical compatibility, and efficient communication across different studios can be a complex endeavor. Bloober Team will need robust oversight mechanisms to guide these external teams while allowing them enough creative freedom to contribute effectively.

Analyst Perspectives and the Road Ahead

Industry analysts, while acknowledging the strategic logic behind risk diversification, would likely view Bloober Team’s move as highly ambitious and inherently risky. The consensus would probably lean towards a cautious optimism, emphasizing the critical importance of strong project management, clear creative direction from the top, and meticulous quality assurance processes. The performance of the Silent Hill 2 Remake will undoubtedly serve as a crucial barometer, not just for its own success, but as an indicator of Bloober Team’s expanded capabilities and readiness for this multi-faceted future.

Ultimately, Bloober Team’s pivot to a multi-project strategy represents a bold declaration of intent to become a dominant player in the global horror game market. It’s a high-stakes gamble that could either elevate the studio to unprecedented heights, delivering a continuous stream of terrifying experiences, or, if mismanaged, risk stretching its resources and reputation too thin. The coming years will reveal whether this ambitious expansion solidifies Bloober Team’s legacy as masters of fear across a diverse and prolific portfolio.

August 6, 2025 0 comment

Business and Finance

Rismon Sianipar Denies Multi-Billion Rupiah Pay-Out, Challenges Roy Suryo to Scientifically Substantiate Claims

by Reynand Wu June 25, 2025

written by Reynand Wu

JAKARTA – Forensic expert Rismon Sianipar has vehemently denied allegations from the camp of Roy Suryo that he received billions of rupiah, potentially up to Rp50 billion, following his public apology and admission of error to former President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Sianipar, whose recantation earlier sparked considerable debate, has now issued a direct challenge to Roy Suryo, demanding scientific proof for the claims presented in the controversial book, "Jokowi’s White Paper." This latest development, unfolding on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, escalates an already protracted and politically charged dispute surrounding the authenticity of President Widodo’s academic qualifications.

The controversy dates back several years, rooted in persistent claims questioning the legitimacy of President Jokowi’s diploma from Gadjah Mada University (UGM). These allegations, often amplified in online discourse and by political opponents, gained traction and led to public scrutiny. At the heart of these claims was "Jokowi’s White Paper," a document or publication reportedly detailing purported inconsistencies and anomalies in the President’s educational background. Roy Suryo, a prominent figure known for his background in information technology and multimedia, became a vocal proponent of these claims, lending his perceived expertise to the arguments presented in the White Paper. His involvement amplified the controversy, positioning it as a matter requiring expert forensic scrutiny.

Rismon Sianipar, an expert in forensic analysis, initially entered the fray, reportedly contributing to or supporting the narrative that questioned the authenticity of President Jokowi’s diploma. His early statements and analyses, presented within the public domain, were interpreted by some as bolstering the claims made in "Jokowi’s White Paper." His involvement was significant because, as a forensic expert, his opinions carried a certain weight, potentially influencing public perception regarding the veracity of the allegations. The public awaited a definitive resolution, often caught between conflicting expert opinions and politically motivated narratives.

However, the narrative took a dramatic turn when Sianipar, after conducting what he described as further in-depth research, publicly retracted his earlier statements and issued a formal apology to President Jokowi. In a move that surprised many observers, Sianipar admitted that his prior findings or interpretations had been erroneous. This recantation was a pivotal moment, as it undermined a significant pillar of the claims against the President’s diploma. Sianipar’s rationale for this shift, as he explained, was a commitment to scientific integrity and the rectification of any inaccuracies discovered through continued research. He emphasized that as a researcher, an independent and unbiased approach is paramount, and the admission of error is an ethical obligation when new evidence or understanding emerges.

Following Sianipar’s recantation and apology, a new wave of accusations emerged from Roy Suryo’s camp. These allegations suggested that Sianipar’s change of stance was not driven by scientific discovery but by financial inducement. Specifically, it was claimed that Sianipar had received a substantial sum of money, with figures ranging into the billions of rupiah, some reports even citing Rp50 billion, from President Jokowi’s side as a payoff for retracting his earlier statements. These claims quickly circulated, adding another layer of complexity and suspicion to an already sensitive issue. The accusations implied a deliberate attempt to manipulate expert testimony for political gain, raising serious questions about the integrity of the individuals involved and the broader implications for public trust in expert opinions.

In response to these grave allegations, Rismon Sianipar convened a press conference on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to unequivocally refute the claims of financial impropriety. "I want to clarify the issue circulating outside that I received billions, even tens of billions, up to Rp50 billion," Sianipar stated firmly. "I vehemently deny this. The entire RJ process was my initiative, based on the research I conducted." The "RJ process" Sianipar referred to, while not explicitly defined as a formal legal mechanism in this context, appears to denote his personal initiative for reconciliation and correction based on his updated research findings. He underscored that his actions were a result of his independent investigative work and a commitment to scientific truth, not any external pressure or financial incentive.

Sianipar further elaborated on the illogical nature of the accusations. He argued that it defies common sense for someone who has admitted an error and apologized to the wronged party to then receive a substantial payment from that very party. "I admitted my mistake and apologized to Jokowi, so logically it wouldn’t be possible," he explained. "If anything, I should be the one compensating Jokowi for the error I made." This argument highlights Sianipar’s position that his actions were driven by remorse and a commitment to rectifying his research, rather than being a transaction. He painted a picture of a researcher upholding ethical standards, even when it meant publicly acknowledging a previous mistake, and saw the accusations of bribery as a smear campaign.

Beyond simply denying the financial allegations, Sianipar issued a direct and pointed challenge to Roy Suryo. He called upon Suryo to scientifically substantiate the claims made in "Jokowi’s White Paper." This challenge elevates the dispute from a personal attack to a demand for rigorous scientific evidence, placing the onus on Suryo to demonstrate the academic and forensic integrity of his assertions. Sianipar’s demand implies that the White Paper, if it purports to be based on expert analysis, must withstand scientific scrutiny and peer review, rather than relying on unsubstantiated allegations or politically motivated interpretations. This move shifts the focus back to the core subject matter: the scientific validity of the claims against President Jokowi’s diploma.

The dispute between Sianipar and Roy Suryo, alongside the broader diploma controversy, carries significant implications for various stakeholders and the wider public. Primarily, it underscores the critical importance of scientific integrity and independence, particularly for forensic experts whose opinions can profoundly influence public perception and legal outcomes. When experts are perceived to be swayed by political agendas or financial incentives, it erodes trust in scientific methodology and the impartiality of expert testimony. This erosion of trust can have far-reaching consequences, making it difficult for the public to discern truth from misinformation, especially in politically charged environments.

From a political standpoint, the ongoing saga highlights the weaponization of information and expert opinions in political discourse. Allegations surrounding a leader’s qualifications, regardless of their veracity, can be potent tools for delegitimizing an administration or individual. The constant back-and-forth, with accusations of bribery and demands for scientific proof, serves to prolong the controversy, keeping it alive in the public consciousness and potentially creating an atmosphere of doubt and suspicion. For President Jokowi’s administration, while Sianipar’s apology offered some vindication, the continued allegations of payoff introduce a new layer of complexity that requires careful management.

Legal implications are also a significant consideration. The accusations of bribery against Sianipar, if proven false, could potentially lead to defamation lawsuits. Conversely, if there were any credible evidence of financial inducement, it could open avenues for legal action against those involved. The demand for scientific proof of "Jokowi’s White Paper" could also lead to legal challenges, forcing the proponents of the paper to present their evidence in a court of law or face accusations of spreading unsubstantiated claims. The legal ramifications could extend to professional bodies governing forensic experts, potentially leading to ethical inquiries or sanctions if misconduct is established.

Reactions from other parties involved in the wider political landscape have been anticipated. While no direct statements from President Jokowi’s office were immediately available regarding the latest allegations, it is plausible that any official response would emphasize the importance of truth, the rule of law, and the President’s legitimate qualifications. For Roy Suryo’s camp, a likely response would be to double down on their accusations, perhaps questioning Sianipar’s credibility further or demanding a more transparent account of his finances and the circumstances surrounding his recantation. Legal representatives for Suryo might also reiterate their belief in the claims made in "Jokowi’s White Paper," perhaps indicating a willingness to present their evidence if challenged in a formal setting. Independent legal and ethical experts would likely stress the need for evidence-based claims, the perils of trial by media, and the importance of due process in resolving such disputes.

The future trajectory of this dispute remains uncertain. Sianipar’s challenge to Roy Suryo could potentially lead to a formal scientific review or debate, a development that would be welcomed by those seeking clarity and evidence-based conclusions. Alternatively, the dispute could devolve into further legal battles, with both parties seeking redress through the courts. What is clear, however, is that this ongoing controversy transcends the immediate individuals involved. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in maintaining factual integrity in an age of rapid information dissemination, particularly when political stakes are high. The public’s demand for transparency, accountability, and verifiable truth will continue to press for a definitive resolution to the lingering questions surrounding President Jokowi’s diploma and the conduct of those involved in the public discourse. The resolution of this specific contention will undoubtedly influence future standards for expert testimony and public debate in Indonesia’s dynamic political landscape.

June 25, 2025 0 comment