Learn how 3D Realms and Anshar Studios put a new spin on a classic series + enjoy the fast-paced co-op action shooter’s Steam Next Fest demo now!
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Oct. 16, 2025 – Saber Interactive’s 3D Realms label and developer Anshar Studios have released a new developer diary video for Painkiller, the reimagining of the classic action franchise launching October 21 on PlayStation 5 (Deluxe), Xbox Series X|S (Deluxe), and PC via Steam. Go behind the scenes of the creation of a totally new Painkiller and learn how the team took inspiration from the series’ roots to design the visuals, levels, weapons and more of this new brutal experience featuring co-op multiplayer!
For Painkiller, the teams at 3D Realms and Anshar Studios set out to create something fast, challenging and fun, preserving the franchise’s attitude while pushing it forward in new ways. The result is a game that’s all about dynamic movement and freedom in co-op, letting you flow through fights and dominate overwhelming hordes of enemies together.
Weapons were a key pillar of this philosophy, and Painkiller’s arsenal features multiple designs drawn directly from the series’ origins and given new modern flourishes. This includes the ability to tailor your weapons’ upgrades, allowing for unique builds that can fit a variety of playstyles and even combo with your friends’ loadouts in co-op.
Check out Painkiller’s demo now, available as part of Steam Next Fest through October 20! Team up with up to two friends in online co-op or play on your own offline, unleash infernal weapons like the Stakegun and Electrodriver, and blast through hordes of demons in brutal, fast-paced combat.
Both the Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition (featuring the Season Pass) of Painkiller are available to pre-order now on PlayStation 5 (Deluxe), Xbox Series X|S (Deluxe), and PC via Steam. All pre-orders come with the “Iron Crusade” pre-order bonus skin pack.
The physical version of the Standard Edition is available to pre-order on PlayStation and Xbox at major retailers, as well. In addition to the “Iron Crusade” pack, physical pre-orders also include the “Burnished Pride” weapons pack, which includes bonus gold weapon skins.
For more info, visit the game’s website.
About Saber Interactive
Saber Interactive is a worldwide publisher and developer consisting of 13 studios in the Americas and Europe. Creating games for all major platforms based on original and licensed IPs, Saber’s titles include Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, Jurassic Park: Survival, Turok: Origins, World War Z, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead, SnowRunner, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game and RoadCraft. Founded in 2001, Saber is known for two decades of development partnerships with leading developers and publishers, including producing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for Nintendo Switch, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Crysis Remastered, and many others. Learn more at https://saber.games.
About 3D Realms
Redefining AAA – Action, Attitude, Adrenaline, 3D Realms has rocked the world for almost 30 years by publishing unforgettable, iconic games like Duke Nukem, Terminal Velocity, Shadow Warrior, Death Rally, Max Payne, and more recently Ghostrunner, Ion Fury, CULTIC, Tempest Rising, and RIPOUT.
Led by industry veterans, 3D Realms is a proud member of Saber Interactive, with a mission of publishing games for grownups. Unapologetic and uncompromising, we’re not afraid of being who we are and being damn good at it – for everyone’s benefit. For more information, visit 3drealms.com.
About Anshar Studios
Anshar Studios, based in Katowice, Poland, is a dynamic game development studio known for producing AA-quality games across multiple platforms. Since 2012, the team of nearly 200 skilled professionals have been dedicated to crafting meaningful gaming experiences with a focus on narrative depth and immersive gameplay. Notable releases include the self-published Gamedec, Bloober Team’s Layers of Fear and Observer: System Redux, along with undisclosed projects for major industry developers and publishers. Skilled team, well-crafted portfolio, and ambition to grow. Learn more at: ansharstudios.com
