Horror games are a genre of video games designed to evoke fear, tension, and unease through immersive storytelling, atmospheric environments, and psychological or supernatural threats. These games often feature dark themes, jump scares, limited resources, and survival mechanics to heighten player anxiety. Sub-genres include survival horror (focus on resource management and combat), psychological horror (mind-bending narratives), and supernatural horror (ghosts, demons, or occult elements).
• Resident Evil series – A classic survival horror franchise featuring zombies, bioweapons, and intense exploration.
• Silent Hill 2 – Known for its psychological storytelling and haunting atmosphere.
• Amnesia: The Dark Descent – A first-person game emphasizing sanity management and avoidance over combat.
• Outlast – A found-footage-style game with relentless chases and a focus on stealth.
• Alien: Isolation – Combines sci-fi and horror with a relentless AI-driven Xenomorph antagonist.
• Five Nights at Freddy’s – A point-and-click series centered around animatronic horror and jump scares.
What’s the difference between survival horror and psychological horror?
Survival horror focuses on combat and resource scarcity, while psychological horror emphasizes unsettling narratives and mental instability.
How do horror games create fear?
They use techniques like limited visibility, eerie sound design, unpredictable threats, and narrative ambiguity to manipulate player emotions.
Why do people enjoy horror games despite the fear?
Many players seek the thrill of overcoming challenges, the adrenaline rush, or the satisfaction of unraveling dark, complex stories.
