Hey guys!
As a horror game player & maker...
I thought I would share my experiences and ideas on making a good horror game, and getting good scares out of people
So lets get straight into it...
(1) Ambiance
This is an absolute MUST for a horror game.
As the ambiance is the backing music/atmosphere in a creepy setting. Put it this way, no ambiance, no good scares
Tips: Useful with buildups, often leading to a jumpscare (if theres a buildup usually, but jumpscares can be used anywhere, but don't make them cheap!)
(2) Jumpscares
Be VERY careful when using these, as I have seen many gameplays of horror games, with which people get fed up with cheap jumpscares, but when used appropriately, they can have a massive effect on the player. Once the player has experienced a buildup, then a jumpscare, then around every corner, he/she will hold their breath, hoping to not experience another jumpscare
(3) Map Design
Another very important factor to consider when you are in the design process. Generally, here are the things I keep in mind when I am designing a horror game (depending on the scenario of course).
These are the common fears I keep in mind:
Fear of the unknowen
Claustrophobia
Those are generally the most important factors, there are many more that should be implemented in a game. Fear of the unknown is pretty self explanatory, but Claustrophobia, is when you are in a more closed in area, so you get the feeling you don't have anywhere to run, no where to hide, that really strikes fear in the players' heart.
(4) Character Design
This is another factor, that links in with the map design, and fear of the unknown.
Using a monster, that is abnormal often works, a messed up person, such as a zombie also comes into play on some occasions (if you are specifically creating a horror game, do not overuse zombies!).
Also, just a little thing, but adds to the scares, is the enemy being bigger than you.
If in real life, you are confronted by an ordinary person, thats taller and bigger than you, it is very intimidating, same goes for video games, except if it is something out of the ordinary, it becomes 10x scarier.
(5) Player attributes
If the player is confronted by an enemy, and he/she is slow/cant run for very long, it can get the heart pumping a lot faster and harder! As you feel vunerable, just like the scenario above, if you try and run, the bigger guy gets you.
So thats definately an important factor.
Another important thing to consider, (this varies on the type of horror game)
is the player defenseless, this definitely impacts on the punch that the scares give the player.
(6) Other misc stuff
This is completely optional, but for small games, I like to include a couple of extras
Ok, the first one is random screeches in the distance, a monster roaring, or footsteps coming closer, or a human scream, can definitely get the player on their toes
.
Another thing is, make the environment realistic, add bushes, and grass to the scenery, (imposters work well for framerate and masses of grass
)
Remember, when creating a horror game, keep it as simple as possible, the simplest horror, often works the best!
Good luck, let me think what you think below! Feel free to add to these tips below, I have bound to have missed something, as there are so many things you can do to enhance the experience!
As a horror game player & maker...
I thought I would share my experiences and ideas on making a good horror game, and getting good scares out of people
So lets get straight into it...
(1) Ambiance
This is an absolute MUST for a horror game.
As the ambiance is the backing music/atmosphere in a creepy setting. Put it this way, no ambiance, no good scares
Tips: Useful with buildups, often leading to a jumpscare (if theres a buildup usually, but jumpscares can be used anywhere, but don't make them cheap!)
(2) Jumpscares
Be VERY careful when using these, as I have seen many gameplays of horror games, with which people get fed up with cheap jumpscares, but when used appropriately, they can have a massive effect on the player. Once the player has experienced a buildup, then a jumpscare, then around every corner, he/she will hold their breath, hoping to not experience another jumpscare
(3) Map Design
Another very important factor to consider when you are in the design process. Generally, here are the things I keep in mind when I am designing a horror game (depending on the scenario of course).
These are the common fears I keep in mind:
Fear of the unknowen
Claustrophobia
Those are generally the most important factors, there are many more that should be implemented in a game. Fear of the unknown is pretty self explanatory, but Claustrophobia, is when you are in a more closed in area, so you get the feeling you don't have anywhere to run, no where to hide, that really strikes fear in the players' heart.
(4) Character Design
This is another factor, that links in with the map design, and fear of the unknown.
Using a monster, that is abnormal often works, a messed up person, such as a zombie also comes into play on some occasions (if you are specifically creating a horror game, do not overuse zombies!).
Also, just a little thing, but adds to the scares, is the enemy being bigger than you.
If in real life, you are confronted by an ordinary person, thats taller and bigger than you, it is very intimidating, same goes for video games, except if it is something out of the ordinary, it becomes 10x scarier
.(5) Player attributes
If the player is confronted by an enemy, and he/she is slow/cant run for very long, it can get the heart pumping a lot faster and harder! As you feel vunerable, just like the scenario above, if you try and run, the bigger guy gets you
.So thats definately an important factor.
Another important thing to consider, (this varies on the type of horror game)
is the player defenseless, this definitely impacts on the punch that the scares give the player.
(6) Other misc stuff
This is completely optional, but for small games, I like to include a couple of extras
Ok, the first one is random screeches in the distance, a monster roaring, or footsteps coming closer, or a human scream, can definitely get the player on their toes
.Another thing is, make the environment realistic, add bushes, and grass to the scenery, (imposters work well for framerate and masses of grass
)Remember, when creating a horror game, keep it as simple as possible, the simplest horror, often works the best!
Good luck, let me think what you think below! Feel free to add to these tips below, I have bound to have missed something, as there are so many things you can do to enhance the experience!
