After several years focusing on its own projects like Silent Hill 2 and Cronos, Bloober Team is officially stepping into the publishing world. The studio’s newly formed publishing label will make its debut early next year with the release of its first title, I Hate This Place, developed by Rock Square Thunder.
Set to launch on 29th January 2026 for PlayStation 5, the game represents a new direction for Bloober — expanding from development into supporting smaller, creative studios within the horror genre.
A Fresh Take on Survival Horror
I Hate This Place is an isometric survival horror experience that blends crafting, exploration, and tense combat in a world inspired by indie comics. Players will navigate a strange and dangerous environment, scavenging materials and crafting tools to survive the night.
The game revolves around a day-night cycle that shapes gameplay and difficulty. During the day, players can explore freely, gather resources, repair equipment, and uncover story elements. But when night falls, the tone shifts — terrifying enemies emerge, and survival becomes a matter of strategy and speed.
According to early previews, the contrast between calm exploration and relentless nighttime danger will be a key part of the experience, forcing players to balance preparation and risk.
A Distinctive Comic Book Aesthetic
The visual style of I Hate This Place is one of its most striking elements. The art direction draws heavy inspiration from the comic book series of the same name by Kyle Starks and Artyom Topilin, giving the game a bold, graphic novel look that combines hand-drawn textures with cel-shaded lighting.
This unique aesthetic, combined with the top-down camera angle, aims to capture both the dark humour and the unsettling tension that define the original comics. The developers describe the style as “colourful horror” — unsettling yet visually distinct, setting it apart from the hyperrealistic visuals common in modern horror games.
Bloober Team’s Next Phase
For Bloober Team, known for psychological horror experiences such as The Medium, Layers of Fear, and the Silent Hill 2 remake, I Hate This Place represents the first major test of its new publishing strategy. The company has stated that its label will focus on “curating distinctive horror experiences” from independent studios that share its passion for emotional and psychological storytelling.
By partnering with Rock Square Thunder, Bloober is signalling a willingness to explore new genres and artistic directions within the horror space — broadening its influence beyond its own in-house titles.
What to Expect in Early 2026
With a release date set for 29th January 2026, I Hate This Place is positioned as one of the first major horror releases of the new year. Fans of survival and crafting games — especially those who enjoy stylized visuals and narrative tension — may find it a refreshing twist on the genre.
While full gameplay details are still limited, the recently released trailer showcases fast-paced exploration, eerie environments, and glimpses of the grotesque creatures that stalk the world after sunset. The combination of survival mechanics, comic-book visuals, and day-night tension could make I Hate This Place one of the most intriguing indie horror releases on the PS5 in 2026.
- Release date: January 29, 2026
- Platform: PlayStation 5
- Developer: Rock Square Thunder
- Publisher: Bloober Team
- Genre: Isometric Survival Horror / Crafting
- Art Style: Comic-book inspired (Kyle Starks & Artyom Topilin)
