A new chapter in the Tetris legacy has been written in Serbia, as the Belgrade-based game development studio Playstudios Europe has proudly announced the release of Tetris Block Puzzle, a fresh take on the classic game designed specifically for mobile phones.
A dedicated team of 30 professionals, each bringing their unique expertise to the table, worked tirelessly for over six months to bring this innovative game to life. As 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the original Tetris, the launch of Tetris Block Puzzle celebrates this milestone by offering a new, more relaxed gaming experience for players around the globe.
Stefan Stojković, Project Manager at Playstudios Europe, highlights that Tetris Block Puzzle is not just another version of the classic Tetris game, but a completely new casual gaming experience. Unlike the original, where players feel the rush of adrenaline as blocks fall faster and faster, Tetris Block Puzzle offers a more tranquil pace. There’s no time pressure, and players can enjoy fitting blocks together at their leisure, making it a perfect pastime for moments of relaxation, such as waiting for transportation or preparing dinner.
While this new approach might surprise players who are accustomed to the fast-paced nature of traditional Tetris, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. During the testing phase, which included trials in Canada, the game quickly rose to prominence, securing the second spot in terms of installations among games of its kind. Tahir Slezović, Tech Lead at Playstudios Europe, expressed pride in contributing to the evergreen Tetris brand, emphasizing that while many have tried to replicate the Tetris magic, few have done so with an official license.
Vukašin Marković, Product Manager at Playstudios Europe, noted that the journey doesn’t end with the game’s launch. The team is committed to continually enhancing the gaming experience, responding to player feedback, and introducing new features to keep the game dynamic. With tens of millions of players worldwide, the task is challenging, but the team is excited to embrace it.
The studio also reassures fans that while Tetris Block Puzzle is a new and unique game, the original Tetris remains intact and is still being developed by a team in Serbia. This original version has been updated to align with modern gaming trends, ensuring that it continues to offer an engaging experience to players.
Playstudios Europe has been a significant player in the Serbian gaming industry since it opened its Belgrade office in 2021. With nearly 200 designers, creatives, developers, and project managers, the studio has worked on popular titles such as Pop! Slots, MGM Slots Live, and now, the Tetris games.
For those interested in learning more about Tetris and its evolution, there’s also an insightful interview available that discusses how developers from Croatia contributed to the development of Tetris 2. This interview was published less than a month ago, offering another perspective on the enduring legacy of Tetris.