Combat Waffle Studios, the team behind the hit VR extraction shooter Ghosts of Tabor, is back with a chilling new project: Silent North. Partnering with publisher Beyond Frames Entertainment, the developers are swapping intense PvP firefights for an open-world survival horror experience.
Whether you’re braving the eerie landscape solo or teaming up with friends, Silent North promises a mix of cooperative and competitive moments in a treacherous, immersive world.
To dig deeper into what makes this game tick, META sat down with Scott Albright, CEO of Combat Waffle Studios, for an exclusive look at its development.
Following Up a VR Smash Hit
Ghosts of Tabor was a runaway success, so expectations are sky-high for Combat Waffle’s next move. How did they decide on Silent North? “We love survival games here,” Albright explains. “Paying tribute to open-world zombie survival classics we enjoy outside VR felt like the perfect evolution. The real pressure isn’t about topping Tabor—it’s about reassuring our live-service players that we’re not abandoning it. Silent North is about inviting a new crowd into the VR survival party!”
Why Survival Horror in VR?
Open-world survival horror is uncharted territory for VR, which made it an irresistible challenge for the team. “When we built Ghosts of Tabor, people said extraction shooters wouldn’t work in VR,” Albright recalls. “Now we’re hearing the same about big, zombie-filled survival games. But the demand is there, and we’re shaping Silent North with input from players who live for this genre.”
Inspirations Behind the Fear
So, where did Silent North come from? Albright points to hardcore survival titles like DayZ and Deadside as key influences, alongside classic horror vibes. “Think Night of the Living Dead—strangers holed up, distrust brewing, and a horde at the door. That’s the essence of Silent North,” he says. The game aims to fill a gap in VR, delivering the tense, replayable thrills fans crave.
Lessons from Ghosts of Tabor
The team’s experience with Ghosts of Tabor shaped Silent North in big ways. “We’ve learned how players cooperate or betray each other,” Albright notes. “Games let people test different sides of themselves, and we’ve used that insight to make Silent North’s multiplayer richer and more dynamic.”
New Challenges in an Open World
Switching to an open-world format brought fresh hurdles. “The Swiss Alps setting meant adding things like temperature mechanics,” Albright says. “Players will need to bundle up in colder zones—something we never tackled in Tabor. It’s a new layer of survival that’s tricky to get right but totally worth it.”
The Power of Player Feedback
Early access is a cornerstone of Combat Waffle’s process. “Launching in alpha lets passionate players mold our games from the start,” Albright explains. “It worked for Ghosts of Tabor and GRIM, and it’s vital for Silent North too.”
Tips for Aspiring XR Devs
Albright’s advice for XR newcomers? “Ignore the naysayers. We were told extraction survival wouldn’t fly in VR, but we built what we wanted to play—and found our community. Do the same.”
Survival 101: Tips for Players
Before you jump in, Albright has some pointers: “Grab a weapon and ammo quick, and gather sticks for a fire—cold kills as fast as zombies. Team up early, but watch your back. Alliances can crumble anytime.”
Where to Learn More
Ready to explore Silent North? Check out silentnorth.com, join the Discord, or follow along on TikTok, X, and YouTube. The early access journey starts today—gear up and dive into the unknown!