Black Salt Games Spawns Disc 2 Games as DREDGE Wraps Up

Black Salt Games has officially closed the book on its atmospheric fishing-horror hit DREDGE and announced the formation of a brand-new independent studio, Disc 2 Games. The move marks both the end of DREDGE’s content cycle and the beginning of two separate creative tracks for a team known for surprising genre conventions.

End of the DREDGE Chapter

After releasing its final major expansion, The Iron Rig, Black Salt Games signaled the completion of its work on DREDGE. The studio is now in pre-production on an as-yet-unannounced project. Fans who followed the game’s journey from niche fishing sim to chilling underwater mystery can expect the team to carry over its signature atmosphere and subversive design.

Introducing Disc 2 Games

Disc 2 Games, based in Christchurch, New Zealand, is helmed by Black Salt co-founders Nadia Thorne, Kris Nicholson and Johannes Otte. In a press release, the new studio describes its debut as a title that presents a “bright, stylish, and fun façade” before revealing a darker, more unsettling world beneath. That duality echoes DREDGE’s blend of cozy mechanics and creeping dread.

Why This Pivot Matters

• Two Studios, Two Visions: Splitting into Black Salt Games and Disc 2 Games allows each team to pursue distinct creative goals without watering down their ambitions.
• Founders’ Track Record: Thorne, Nicholson and Otte have shown they can craft unique indie experiences. Their continued collaboration bodes well for fans.
• Industry Perspective: Observers note that spin-off studios can preserve creative energy and prevent burnout common in small teams that chase repeated success.

What Players Are Saying

On community forums and social channels, players have expressed excitement and cautious optimism. Many applaud the decision to avoid endless DLC or a paint-by-numbers sequel, while others wonder if splitting the team might stretch resources thin. Either way, anticipation is high for hands-on demos at upcoming industry events.

The Road Ahead

Details on both new projects are scarce, with release windows and platforms still listed as TBA. Black Salt and Disc 2 promise “surprising mechanics” and immersive atmosphere, hallmarks of their previous work. As an indie fan who values originality, this bold strategy suggests we may soon have not one but two fresh adventures to obsess over.

Key Takeaway: Black Salt Games has wrapped DREDGE and set up Disc 2 Games to explore new IPs. With experienced founders and a shared commitment to subverting expectations, both studios are ones to watch—especially if they maintain the creative spark that made DREDGE an indie standout.