Revolutionizing Horror: Blumhouse Games Redefines the Genre

The intersection of horror and video games has a rich history, with early titles like Uninvited and The Last of Us Part 2 leaving a lasting impact on the genre. However, horror is not exclusive to games, as it has a significant presence in literature, cinema, television, and music. In fact, horror is often used as a tone or style applied to other genres, rather than a standalone genre. This is evident in film, where sub-genres like comedy horror and road movie horror rely on the application of horror elements to existing genres. Similarly, in music, bands like The Misfits embody a horror aesthetic without being strictly classified as a horror genre. Considering the long-standing relationship between games and horror, it's surprising that there is still room for innovation and exploration. The games division at Blumhouse Productions, founded in 2023, is at the forefront of this movement. With a legacy of iconic horror films like The Purge, Five Nights at Freddy's, and Paranormal Activity, Blumhouse is now expanding its reach into the gaming industry. According to Louise Blain, Creative Lead at Blumhouse Games, the company is taking a thoughtful approach to developing horror games, rather than simply adapting their existing IP. This has resulted in a diverse slate of in-development games, including the released title Fear the Spotlight, which showcases a range of genres with a horror twist. One notable example is Grave Seasons, a pixelated farming sim that combines supernatural elements with traditional farming gameplay. Another project, Project C, is a mystery-shrouded FMV game that brings together non-gaming talent, including screenwriter and director Brandon Cronenberg. Blumhouse's debut slate of games demonstrates that there are still untapped opportunities in the horror genre, from new gameplay mechanics to fresh approaches to genre. This is partly driven by the increasing communication and collaboration between the game, film, and TV industries. The adoption of game production tools and methodologies in film and TV has also facilitated this exchange. However, Blain emphasizes that the focus should be on the creative opportunities that arise from this intersection, rather than just the technical aspects. For instance, the Host movie, which takes place entirely on Zoom, offers a fascinating concept for game developers to explore. Similarly, the short horror film Don't Peak, which features Animal Crossing, highlights the potential for crossovers between mediums and themes. The Blumhouse Games team is also exploring how the ethos of horror movie creation can be applied to games. This includes embracing a more lo-fi, creative approach to production, which can bring authenticity and believability to the gaming experience. The found footage style, popularized by films like Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project, is an example of this approach. Games like Fear the Spotlight, which is influenced by the co-creator's favorite horror films and classic survival horror experiences, demonstrate the potential for unique storytelling in horror games. With its meticulously realized, nostalgia-inducing low-poly style, Fear the Spotlight presents a fascinating case study for modern horror games. As part of a larger movement, this new intersection of video games and horror tone is informing both the creative and commercial frontiers of the industry, and beyond.