KONAMI and Annapurna Interactive revealed the first gameplay footage of Silent Hill: Townfall during the recent State of Play broadcast, offering the clearest look yet at the long-anticipated spin-off. The project was initially announced in 2022, but until now, details about its structure, setting, and mechanics had remained limited. Alongside the trailer, the developer confirmed it has rebranded from No Code to Screen Burn, marking a new chapter for the studio.
Additional information was shared during the Silent Hill Transmission presentation, where the team described Townfall as a full-length, self-contained entry in the franchise. The game is set in a remote part of coastal Scotland and is played entirely from a first-person perspective. This represents a shift for the series, which has traditionally relied on third-person gameplay to frame its atmosphere and exploration.
Writer and director Jon McKellan explained that the goal was to build a game that reflects Screen Burn’s creative identity while remaining faithful to Silent Hill’s themes. Lead Game Designer Graeme McKellan noted that the first-person viewpoint narrows what players can see at any given time, increasing tension by placing more emphasis on sound and off-screen movement. According to the team, the fear often comes from what cannot be seen rather than what is directly in front of the player.
Combat includes familiar tools such as wooden planks, metal pipes, and firearms, but encounters are designed to support both confrontation and avoidance. A new peeking mechanic allows protagonist Simon Ordell to lean around corners and over obstacles, giving players the option to assess threats before committing to action.
The CRTV is a handheld pocket television that replaces the traditional radio mechanic associated with the series. Players must manually tune frequencies to uncover narrative clues and detect enemy presence. Its analog design reflects Screen Burn’s focus on grounded, real-world technology, reinforcing the game’s tactile and deliberate approach to interaction.
The story centers on Simon Ordell, who returns to the island town of St. Amelia after receiving a phone call urging him to come back and resolve unfinished matters. Guilt is described as a central theme, explored through personal history and character interactions. The narrative unfolds gradually, with mysteries that evolve as players explore the town and encounter other residents.
The setting draws inspiration from fishing villages along Scotland’s east coast, including St Monans. The development team conducted on-location research to capture environmental details and atmosphere. A dense coastal fog known as the Haar serves as a major influence, reinforcing the sense of isolation that defines the series.
Silent Hill: Townfall is in development for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. While official materials list the release date as to be announced, storefront listings currently point to a planned launch in 2026.
