By However, fresh catches, new adventures, and a new studio are on the horizon
- by Alana Hagues
The Lovecraftian fishing adventure Dredge was a success back in 2023, merging eerie horror and marine creatures with immersive storytelling and classic fishing action. Now, following some premium DLC and complimentary updates, the New Zealand-based studio is prepared to leave the waters behind and innovate something entirely fresh — and “No, it’s not Dredge 2”.
Revealing the update on Bluesky, the team’s upcoming project will be an open-world RPG set in a new realm and backdrop. It will certainly maintain its dark tone, yet it’s something very distinct from the studio’s initial release.
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But that’s not the only fresh update; Black Salt has grown and launched a second development studio, known as Disc 2 Games. “Imagine vibrant, colorful, and 90’s retro!” states the announcement. Oh, we’re imagining, indeed.
“We’ve pushed DREDGE as far as we can technically – particularly while still supporting players on previous-generation consoles,” discussed producer and CEO of Disc 2, Nadia Thorne, in a press statement. The studio is enthusiastic to “shift our focus to something new” and to progress.
A programmer and writer at Black Salt Games, Joel Mason, reflects Thorne’s thoughts, stating “It’s encouraging to know that players appreciate the kinds of worlds we wish to build – and it fills us with the confidence to attempt it once more.”
Regarding Disc 2, the studio has reportedly been developing their inaugural game “for a bit over a year now,” mentions technical director Kris Nicholson. And, despite the anticipated bright exterior of the forthcoming game, creative director Johannes Otte is setting our expectations suitably; “beneath this gleaming surface lies a gritty domain, eager for players to dive in and unite with our characters in resistance.”
This is splendid news to hear in an industry that sometimes feels like it’s imploding, and we eagerly await more from both studios.
Are you thrilled to see what Black Salt Games will unveil next? Share your opinions about them and the new studio in the comments.
Alana has been part of Nintendo Life since 2022, and while RPGs are her first passion, Nintendo is a close runner-up. She delights in nothing more than overanalyzing battle strategies, characters, and narratives. She also dreams of being a Sega air pirate.