Horror games are a genre of video games designed to create a feeling of fear, dread, or terror in players. These games often involve dark, eerie settings, unsettling narratives, and elements of suspense, mystery, or the supernatural. The primary aim of horror games is to evoke an emotional response from the player, typically through an atmosphere of unease or fear, rather than relying solely on action or combat.
Many horror games use storytelling and environmental details to build tension and immerse players in the game world. This can include haunted locations, post-apocalyptic landscapes, or encounters with otherworldly creatures or entities. Sound design is also crucial in horror games, with music, sound effects, and silence all playing key roles in establishing the mood and enhancing the sense of fear.
Gameplay in horror games can vary widely, from survival horror, where players must manage limited resources while navigating threats, to psychological horror, which focuses more on narrative and the mental state of characters and players. Puzzles, exploration, and stealth are common elements, with players often having to avoid or outsmart enemies rather than confront them directly.
Horror games can be deeply immersive and emotionally engaging, offering players not just challenges to overcome but also rich stories and environments to experience. They appeal to those who enjoy the thrill of being scared in a controlled and safe environment and who appreciate the creative ways developers evoke fear and suspense.
