The Idea Behind Horror Video Games and How to Make the Perfect One
The horror genre is quite popular in the video games industry. Such products are highly praised by individuals who are constantly seeking some form of excitement. And we can all agree that a good scary game can surely make one’s heart go faster within a couple of seconds. In the next below, we will share Will Doyle’s thoughts on creating a good spine-chilling video game. Additionally, readers will also be presented with the opinion of the famous game design critic John Bycer who recently expressed his views on this specific game genre.
Will Doyle about the Ideal Horror Video Games
Those of you, who are fascinated with the video games industry, have probably heard the name Will Doyle. If not, allow us to tell you a bit more about him. Doyle is actually the creative director of one of the most acclaimed horror video games over the last few years, namely The Dark Pictures Anthology. It is basically an anthology series of horror video games created by the prominent company Supermassive Games.
The first release, which is named Man of Medan, took place in August 2019. One year later, Little Hope was launched, and fans were presented with House of Ashes in 2021. If everything goes according to the creators’ plan, this year The Devil in Me, should be released, as well.
In one of his talks, Will decided to express his opinion on the process of creating a horror video game that’s actually good, scary, and exhilarating. He believes that this particular genre is all about building tension, keeping up the suspense, and allowing the players to decide the faith of his character.
Making A Horror Game Stands Out
In agreement with Doyle’s opinion, in order for a video game to be thrilling and mind-blowing, it should keep up the player’s interest levels high all the time. Thus, the implementation of a scenario that is not directly associated with the major theme of the game may be a good idea. Additionally, presenting them with different choices throughout the game will surely contribute to players being more present in the game, realizing that taking the right pic is quite essential. Aside from these things, Will Doyle advises all creators to follow a few simple tricks if they wish to present a truly awe-inspiring game.
- Don’t Neglect the Drama: Although horror games are all about suspense, mystery, and chilling sounds, the whole gaming process may become even better if the plot is accompanied by dramatic plot twists that may eventually lead to a good ending for the characters.
Even though some choices are quite crucial, players should also be presented with options that are not so extreme and will not impact the plot so much. This allows them to become one with the story and be more focused throughout the game.
- Choices Do Matter: Some players, especially those who are not quite experienced, often click on the first choice that pops out on the screen without actually reading the text written there. To be fair, this is the worst thing you can do while playing horror video games or any other game in general.
Therefore, Doyle is completely positive that the plot should be heavily influenced by the choices players make. However, killing a character just because he picked option A rather than C is not really acceptable, according to the expert. Such extremities often leave players confused. Thus, they should be avoided at all costs.
- The Right Types of Jump Scares: Plenty of active players hate jump scares. They believe their excessive usage is far from needed, and are positive that they make the respective game look cheap. Although that’s not far from the truth, jump scares, if created in the right way, may contribute to truly electrifying gameplay.
Will Doyle shared that a producer should consider each jump scare very carefully. Using too many of them will negatively influence the public. On the other hand, skipping them entirely may leave players non-frightened, which is the worst thing that can happen to a fan or horrors. Thus, to create the perfect balance, a creator should find a way to add jump scares without making players believe they are annoying.
That’s honestly not that hard to achieve. To create the perfect jump scare, one should consider the best timing to add it to the game. That’s usually when the tension is so built up that the player is ready for that jump scare that will make his hair straight. The best thing a creator can do here is not to add the jump scare moment. And then, after a few seconds, when the player is fully calm, the jump scare should take place.
John Bycer about Horror Video Games
John Bycer is a game design critic who, too, has expressed his opinion on what a good horror game should look like. According to him, its length is of major importance. The majority of players may get bored if the game is 50+ hours long. Plus, the expert stated that the pacing of a game is crucial. Going slow and steady, but not too slow, is the key to making a horror game truly stirring. And lastly, Bycer is categorical that a game of this genre should actually make players scared. That’s the best way to seek the desired effect, which truly is making every video game enthusiast petrified and anxious.
