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Abstract

This study investigates the key features and techniques used within successful horror games of the last 10-15 years. The investigation identified the findings of current literature and then located examples of the findings within the games that were analysed, including Amnesia: The Dark Descent (Frictional Games, 2010), Dead Space 2 (Visceral Games, 2011), and Five Nights at Freddy’s (Steel Wool Studios, 2014). The analysis used a close reading approach. The findings indicated that the most fearful and stressful experiences better suited the first-person perspective and combat based horror games favour the third person perspective due to psychological findings. The investigation concludes that designers must go past the basic understanding of horror that includes cheap scares such as jump scares and must look deep into the psychological aspect of horror and how players react and interact with different stimuli such as environments, antagonists, and perspectives. Horror is much more scientific than other genres as it has such deep links to specific negatively perceived emotions that can be activated successfully in a multitude of ways. By approaching horror design scientifically, this increased the chances of consumer and sales success.

Course: Computer Games Technology - BSc (Hons) - C1671

Date Deposited: 2022-02-18

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13845.html