Tymon Smektala, a seasoned industry veteran with a 13-year tenure at Techland as the franchise director of the Dying Light series, has made a bold move by joining Polish studio Bloober Team as its executive director for horror imprint Broken Mirror Games. In this new role, Smektala will be responsible for shaping the creative direction and portfolio of Broken Mirror, while also collaborating with external studios to bring innovative horror games to players.
The appointment is a significant coup for Bloober Team, known for their critically acclaimed horror titles such as Blair Witch and Layers of Fear, as well as their Silent Hill 2 remake. Smektala’s expertise in the genre will undoubtedly elevate Broken Mirror’s offerings, which include the upcoming Saw: Genesis and Onyx: The Dark Grip. These games are already in production, and with Smektala on board, fans can expect a new level of sophistication and scares.
Broken Mirror is an intriguing subsidiary within Bloober Team, acting as a co-development label that partners with external studios to bring unique horror experiences to the market. Since its inception in 2024, Broken Mirror has released two titles: Star Trek: Infection and I Hate This Place. With Smektala at the helm, we can expect even more innovative partnerships and projects to emerge from this imprint.
Smektala’s own passion for horror is evident in his LinkedIn post announcing his new role, where he emphasizes his desire to collaborate with developers working on interesting horror projects. His enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s clear that he’s eager to hear from studios and creators pushing the boundaries of fear in gaming. “If you’re a developer, studio, or creator working on something interesting in horror, give me a shout!” he encourages. This openness and willingness to engage with the community will undoubtedly help foster new relationships and ideas within the industry.
As Smektala looks to the future of Broken Mirror Games, fans can expect a fresh wave of exciting horror titles that blend innovative storytelling with cutting-edge technology. With his expertise and passion for the genre, there’s no doubt that this partnership between Bloober Team and Smektala will yield some truly terrifying experiences. The question now is: what new projects and collaborations will emerge from this union? One thing is certain – the world of horror gaming has just gotten a lot more interesting.
This appointment marks a significant milestone for both Smektala and Bloober Team, as they embark on a new chapter in their respective journeys. With the right blend of expertise, creativity, and passion, Broken Mirror Games is poised to become a leading force in the horror genre. As VR and XR enthusiasts, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this dynamic duo – and how they’ll continue to push the boundaries of immersive storytelling.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-09-29