When they aren’t reading haunting interviews or listening to horror-movie-focused podcasts, many fans of this genre explore the variety of horror-themed video games currently available. Alongside the classics, today’s horror games are mighty impressive releases, with many die-hard gamers regarding the genre as the finest out there. However, we’ve also been exposed to some truly forgettable releases.

After all, while many horror games serve up spine-chilling scenarios and graphics that bring any spooky adventures to life even further, not every horror instalment out there delivers. Alongside looking for variations of classic online blackjack games, such as Baseball Blackjack, and playing hit remakes like Demon’s Souls that have been respected by developers, many gamers want horror games that aren’t comically bad and painfully dull. In fact, there are certain elements that determine whether a horror video game will be successful. Below, we highlight some of them.

Atmosphere is everything

First up is atmosphere, a feature so many iconic horror releases in the gaming world have absolutely nailed. From Alan Wake to Silent Hill 2, there have been some top-notch titles that have immediately transported players to the horrors they see on screen. From the perfect lighting to the eeriness each level brings, players want to feel on edge and, essentially, terrified while playing games in this area. Fail to get this crucial aspect right, and many game-makers could leave people constantly laughing instead of consistently shuddering.

An engaging storyline

This next element is associated with all genres of gaming, but horror gamers don’t just want to see forgettable plots and unoriginal storylines. Instead, an engaging premise needs to be on show, therefore wanting them to jump right in and explore a spooky virtual title. It can be easy to produce a painfully unoriginal haunted house offering or a zombie game after a devastating outbreak. However, the best horror games tend to bring some fresh to the table, making for a uniquely engaging storyline that really draws players in.

Sound design matters

Alongside the atmosphere on offer, the sounds gamers can hear while they’re exploring a scary land or traversing an alien-filled location also really matter. Players want to hear screams and any footsteps behind them, while whispers can also really set the tone. Likewise, many horror games possess heavy breathing. In fact, sometimes silence is all that’s needed, given the presentation of a particular title. Essentially, for the biggest gaming companies out there, failing to get the sound design right could mean their game struggles from the outset.

No jump scares overload

Many horror releases falter through their overuse of jump scares. Sure, it’s another crucial aspect of any successful horror video game, but the right balance needs to be established here. Yes, you want to terrify gamers and make them rush to turn on the lights, but you don’t want to overdo it so much that the feeling of terror wanes. To avoid weakening the experience on offer, the feeling of fear needs to linger rather than simply vanish after being overloaded with jump scares.

Immersion is key

Finally, some of the finest horror instalments specialize in providing gamers with a truly immersive experience. For example, titles like Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners can be enjoyed through a virtual reality headset, offering unrivalled immersion. Likewise, many horror releases feature a first-person perspective, making for an even more hair-raising gaming session. Essentially, gamers want to feel like they’re actually in life-threatening scenarios, and these options provide that.

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