Introduction Imagine yourself, huddled in a darkened room, the oppressive silence punctuated only by the frantic thumping of your heart. You’re playing a horror game, the story weaving a chilling tale of psychological torment and supernatural terror. Suddenly, a monstrous creature bursts through the door,… Read More »Narrative Dissonance in Horror Games: When Story and Gameplay Clash
Introduction The thrill of a good horror game lies in its ability to make you jump, scream, and clutch your controller for dear life. But what if you could conquer that fear, not by hiding in the shadows, but by facing it head-on, running through… Read More »Speedrunning Horror Games: The Challenge of Beating Fear Quickly
Have you ever found yourself gripping the controller tighter, heart pounding, as you navigate a dark, unfamiliar corridor in a horror game? The tension builds, not because you know what lurks around the corner, but because you don’t. This feeling of unease, of anticipation laced… Read More »The Fear of the Unknown in Horror Games: Exploring the Unseen
Introduction Imagine a game so terrifying, so uniquely crafted, that it manages to chill you to the bone despite being developed in a mere 48 hours. This, my friends, is the power of a game jam. These intense bursts of creativity, where developers race against… Read More »Game Jams and Horror Games: Innovative Creations from Short Development Times
Introduction Imagine yourself immersed in a terrifying world, facing down a monstrous creature that seems to move with uncanny realism, its every growl and lunge echoing the primal fears that lurk within you. This terrifying experience, so visceral and gripping, is often made possible by… Read More »Motion Capture in Horror Games: Bringing Monsters to Life
Introduction Imagine this: you’re navigating a dark, dilapidated hospital in a horror game, the air thick with the scent of decay and fear. You hear a faint whisper coming from a nearby room, a voice that seems to be calling your name. You cautiously approach,… Read More »Cognitive Dissonance in Horror Games: Creating Confusion and Fear
Imagine yourself walking through a desolate, fog-shrouded forest. The wind whispers through the trees, rustling leaves and carrying the faint, distant cry of a bird. Suddenly, a twig snaps under your foot, and your heart leaps into your throat. The silence that follows is deafening,… Read More »Sound Design in Horror Games: Crafting Audio to Induce Fear
Introduction Have you ever felt a surge of adrenaline as you tiptoed through a darkened corridor, desperately searching for an escape route in a terrifying video game? Or perhaps you’ve felt a chill crawl down your spine as you made a crucial decision, knowing it… Read More »Player Agency in Horror Games: How Choices Affect the Experience
Introduction Imagine stepping into a dimly lit, abandoned hospital. The air is thick with dust and the scent of decay. A faint scratching sound echoes from the shadows, and your heart races as you realize you’re not alone. This is the power of art direction… Read More »Art Direction in Horror Games: Visuals That Evoke Terror
Imagine yourself venturing into a dark, dilapidated mansion, the air thick with anticipation. Suddenly, you hear a creak from the floorboards above, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps. You hold your breath, your heart pounding, as you slowly turn to face the unknown. This… Read More »The Use of AI in Horror Games: Creating Smarter, Scarier Enemies