Bethesda is one of the most respected video game developers out there in the world today. Bar none. In fact, they’re responsible for so many quality titles that when they do make an announcement, EVERYONE listens. Recently, they released The Evil Within 2, one of their takes on the horror genre, and it’s gotten some pretty positive reviews. The game specializes in psychological horror, and it’s something that can’t be explained, but rather experience. Yet, horror in and off itself is something special, and everyone “enjoys” it differently.
Video games are no different, there is a horror genre of gaming, and it makes you wonder, how do people “play horror” in order to get the max thrills and chills? Well, the Bethesda team were all too happy to reveal this in a blog post, and you might find some of these answers intriguing.
For example, John Johanas, the Game Director behind The Evil Within 2, noted that he makes sure he’s alone when playing horror games. He “needs” to have the lights off and the volume turned way up. He also likes the idea of building dread, which is what he incorporated into EW2.
In contrast, Executive Producer of Wolfenstein II Jerk Gustaffson believes in a more “balanced” approach to horror in games. He likes “safe” moments just as much as the horrifying ones. Also, when he watches horror, if things get too intense, he’ll turn on a sitcom to calm him down a bit before going back to the game or the film.
Harvey Smith of the Dishonored series admitted that horror affects him a bit too well. Often, he’ll be “disturbed for days” at what he experienced. And in the genre of game, they “destroy” him, and he doesn’t like the feeling of being underpowered.
So, how do you play horror games? Let us know in the comments below.