Fans of Nintendo have long awaited a revival of the cult classic *Eternal Darkness*. Speculation intensified in 2023 when Bloober Team, known for its expertise in horror gaming, announced a new title exclusively for Nintendo hardware. Many believed this could signal the return of Silicon Knights’ psychological thriller. However, recent trademark filings have shifted the focus to something entirely new.
New filings from Bloober Team and Broken Mirror Games for “Onyx: The Dark Grip” in Europe suggest a fresh project is on the horizon. The application covers categories such as video games and related digital entertainment. Adding to the excitement, the studio has teased a countdown on social media platform X, leading many to anticipate an official reveal on February 15th.
What We Know About Onyx: The Dark Grip
This trademark indicates that *Onyx: The Dark Grip* will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch and its successor, continuing Nintendo’s tradition of collaborating with third-party developers to deliver more mature content. Over the years, Nintendo has successfully partnered with various studios to diversify its gaming catalog. This includes titles like PlatinumGames’ *MadWorld* and *Bayonetta*, as well as Ubisoft’s *Red Steel*, allowing them to expand beyond their family-friendly offerings.
Previously known by its codename “M,” *Onyx* has been hinted at through a live-action teaser video released by Broken Mirror Games on its YouTube channel last year. Broken Mirror serves as Bloober Team’s label for projects co-developed with partner studios or publishers, in this case, Nintendo. While details on *Onyx* remain scarce, the involvement of Bloober Team suggests a focus on atmospheric and psychologically-driven horror, a genre in which they have established a solid reputation.
Bloober Team’s recent works, including a critically acclaimed remake of *Silent Hill 2*, demonstrate their commitment to quality in the horror genre. Their upcoming original IP, *Cronos: The New Dawn*, has also generated significant buzz, further solidifying their place in the gaming landscape. This dedication to refining their craft positions *Onyx: The Dark Grip* as a promising addition to the Nintendo lineup.
Although this new title may not fulfill the long-held hopes of a sequel to *Eternal Darkness*, it offers potential for something unique. The anticipation surrounding *Onyx* is underscored by Bloober Team’s previous successes in understanding the mechanics that make survival horror effective, as evidenced by both their remakes and original projects.
The countdown to February 15th has many eager to see the fruits of Bloober Team’s labor and what nightmares they have crafted for the Nintendo Switch family. This collaboration may not only enrich Nintendo’s offerings for mature gaming experiences but could also herald a new era for Bloober Team as they continue to explore innovative horror narratives. As the release approaches, the broader implications for Nintendo’s relationship with third-party developers and the future of horror games on the platform are becoming increasingly relevant.
