Unlocking the Future of Horror: Blumhouse Games Redefines the Genre

The Playable Futures series explores the intersection of video game design, technology, and theory, and their impact on the wider world. Horror has long been a staple of the gaming industry, with a rich history dating back to the 1980s. However, horror is not exclusive to games, and its presence can be found in literature, cinema, television, and music. In games, horror is often used as a tone or style applied to other genres, rather than a distinct genre in its own right. The likes of comedy horror and road movie horror in film are definable sub-genres, but their existence relies on the application of horror as a tonal complement to existing genres. The iconic horror film company Blumhouse Productions has recently ventured into the gaming industry, with a focus on exploring new and innovative ways to tell scary stories. Blumhouse Games is taking a unique approach to horror, drawing inspiration from various mediums and genres. Their debut slate of games features a range of genres with a horror tone, including a pixelated farming sim and a mystery-shrouded FMV game. The team at Blumhouse Games is also looking to non-gaming talent to bring fresh perspectives to horror game development. The relationship between games and cinema is becoming increasingly intertwined, with TV and film makers adopting game production tools and methodologies. This convergence is opening up new opportunities for horror game development, with a focus on authenticity, believability, and emotional impact. The found footage style, popularized by films like Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project, is being explored in games, offering a cost-effective and intimate way to present a game. Blumhouse Games is committed to applying the ethos of horror movie creation to their games, with a focus on creative, sometimes lo-fi production that brings authenticity and believability to their stories. Their first game, Fear the Spotlight, is a great example of this approach, blending the best elements of horror films and classic survival horror experiences to create something unique and emotionally impactful. Fear the Spotlight presents a fascinating case study of what a modern horror game can be, informed by a broader understanding of horror across multiple mediums. The game takes a unique approach to fear, balancing the cozy with the frightful, and is presented in a meticulously realized, nostalgia-inducing low-poly style. The intersection of video game form and horror tone is part of a larger movement, informing both the creative and commercial frontiers of the gaming industry and beyond. This movement is driven by a renewed exchange of ideas between the gaming and film industries, resulting in innovative and captivating experiences that are redefining the horror genre.