The Saw franchise has always been about pushing people to their limits—forcing them into impossible choices where every decision could mean life or death. After a three-year break, the series is back with a fresh twist: a prequel that takes place more than 100 years before Jigsaw ever set his first trap. And this time, you're not just watching—you're playing.
Saw: Genesis is an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game that puts three players (the Accused) against one player controlling the Judge. The Accused must work together to navigate a maze of deadly traps, making split-second moral decisions along the way. The Judge, meanwhile, does everything in their power to ensure no one escapes. It's a high-stakes game of trust, betrayal, and survival—and it's about to get its first real test.
Bloober Team, the publisher behind the game, has announced that the Closed Alpha for Saw: Genesis will begin on July 16, 2026. Selected players will get early access to the game before it heads to Gamescom later this summer. Developed by Broken Mirror Games and Anshar Studios in collaboration with Lionsgate, the game is set in the aftermath of World War I, with procedurally generated maps that change each session. That means no two matches will ever feel the same.
The Closed Alpha uses a survey-based selection process to build a diverse group of testers. Steam keys and server access have already started rolling out in phases, with the full playtest kicking off on July 16. During testing, players can queue up in parties of up to three Accused before matchmaking pairs them with a Judge. The goal? To gather feedback on multiplayer balance, technical performance, core gameplay systems, and the evolving meta. Bloober Team has confirmed that additional testing phases are planned before Early Access, with future playtests expected to grow larger and more accessible.
While asymmetrical multiplayer horror games have become increasingly popular, Saw: Genesis stands out by putting moral choices front and center. Success isn't just about surviving the traps—it's about deciding what you're willing to do to escape. That's the kind of tension the Saw franchise has always thrived on, and now it's in your hands.
If you're looking to catch up on the series before diving into the game, you might want to check out Saw Franchise Leaving Netflix in July 2026: Your Last Chance to Binge All 10 Films. And for more horror recommendations, don't miss Why These 10 Horror Books Deserve the Miniseries Treatment or The Best Horror Movies of 1999, Ranked: A Terrifying Year-End Countdown.
With its unique blend of cooperation, betrayal, and moral dilemmas, Saw: Genesis is shaping up to be a fresh take on the franchise. The Closed Alpha is just the beginning—and if you're lucky enough to get a key, you'll be among the first to step into Jigsaw's world.
