Bloober Team and Anshar Studios unveil asymmetric horror title Saw: Genesis

Bloober Team and Anshar Studios have provided the first detailed look at Saw: Genesis during SGF 2026, outlining the mechanics of an asymmetric multiplayer horror title set within the official Saw film universe. The collaboration, executed through Bloober Team’s Broken Mirror Games subsidiary, positions the game as a prequel set in a post-World War I era. Lionsgate has approved the narrative and settings, confirming the title’s canonical status within the franchise’s ten-film narrative.

The core gameplay loop divides players into two distinct factions: one player assumes the role of the Judge, a physically vulnerable predecessor to the iconic Jigsaw Killer, while three players take on the roles of the Accused. This setup draws comparisons to existing asymmetric titles such as Evolve and Dead by Daylight, though the developers aim to differentiate the experience through specific resource management and environmental manipulation.

The Judge begins each round with significant informational advantages, including a full level map and knowledge of resource locations. These assets are bolstered by a noise-detection skill that reveals player positions through walls and access to hidden corridors and elevators. The antagonist also commands a non-player minion known as the Accomplice, which can abduct downed players or force them into trap rooms. Additionally, the Judge can deploy hallucinogenic gas to induce visual attacks in the Accused, complicating their ability to navigate the environment.

Despite these tactical advantages, the Judge is described as physically weak and susceptible to damage. If the Accused can locate hidden weapons within the level and corner the antagonist, the Judge is unlikely to survive. The Accused players must therefore balance aggression with cooperation, utilising their numerical superiority to split the Judge’s focus or rush toward objective rooms. Each round is designed to last between 10 and 15 minutes, featuring two challenge rooms that test the group’s ability to work together under pressure.

Survival in Saw: Genesis often requires physical sacrifice. Players can choose to sacrifice body parts, such as a hand or an eye, to escape traps or accelerate task completion, a mechanic the developers refer to as "Rehabilitation." These injuries impose permanent limitations for the remainder of the round, forcing players to navigate the maze with reduced capabilities. The game offers multiple outcomes, including the Accused escaping, being eliminated by traps, or killing the Judge before time expires.

The title is now entering alpha testing, with a waitlist open for potential participants. Developers have indicated a willingness to adjust gameplay balance during this phase, particularly regarding the challenge of attracting players to the antagonist role. A Steam Early Access release is planned for the near future, with no specific date confirmed.