After nearly a quarter of a century, the gaming world is abuzz with the announcement of Serious Sam: The Third Encounter. Croteam and Devolver Digital have confirmed that a new installment in the beloved Serious Sam series is now in the early stages of development. This upcoming title will mark the seventh mainline entry in the franchise, a fact made amusingly complex by its unconventional naming conventions and convoluted timeline.
Timeline of Serious Sam Games
- Serious Sam: The First Encounter (2001)
- Serious Sam: The Second Encounter (2002)
- Serious Sam 2 (2005)
- Serious Sam 3: BFE (2011)
- Serious Sam 4 (2020)
- Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem (2022)
The recent emphasis on the classic elements of Serious Sam may partially stem from the mixed reception of Serious Sam: Shatterverse, a co-op roguelite shooter developed by Behaviour Interactive. Early impressions of the game revealed significant issues, including bugs and gameplay mechanics that left much to be desired. Critics noted the confined levels, a lack of enemy variety, and a progression system that rendered the weapons uninspiring.
While Serious Sam 4 also failed to meet expectations for some fans—especially after the intriguing Planet Badass subtitle was dropped—the anticipation for a return to the franchise’s roots is palpable. Gamers are eager for a fresh experience that encapsulates the essence of the series: an arsenal of outrageous weaponry and hordes of enemies to vanquish.
However, it is important to temper expectations. Croteam has made it clear that Serious Sam: The Third Encounter is still in its “early development” phase, suggesting that it may be some time before players can dive into the action and unleash their favorite over-the-top weaponry on a new wave of foes.