Chapter 130

What makes a well-made horror game?

To explain this, we first need to understand what a horror game is.

Simply put, a horror game is a game designed to evoke the emotion of “fear” in the player.

Fear. It’s one of the most primal human emotions, an instinctive reaction when faced with danger or threat.

And horror games cleverly utilize this.

For example, by creating a dark and eerie atmosphere.

Or by using limited visibility and uncertainty.

Or by crafting a mysterious narrative structure.

Or by employing jump scares.

Opinions differ on which of these elements should be emphasized to make a good horror game.

Some people say jump scares are trash, and only a dark, eerie atmosphere makes a good horror game.

While opinions may vary, in my book, that opinion is wrong.

I believe jump scares are essential in horror games, and there should be plenty of them.

Because I’ve never felt fear in a horror game that’s just dark and gloomy.

In horror games, “fear” is crucial. If the player isn’t scared, the value of the horror game drops in that moment.

After all, the reason people enjoy horror games is because they’re scary.

Even when your heart feels like it’s about to burst and you’re screaming, you keep playing.

That’s the true essence of a horror game.

If you’re thinking, “Huh? Sounds like a game only a masochist would enjoy. Is that really the essence of a horror game?”—yes, you’re absolutely right.

That’s why horror games are talked about a lot, but few people actually play them.

It’s not a niche genre for no reason.

[It’s a bit late to ask, but why horror games specifically?]

“Because we have to do it at least once before summer ends.”

[…Summer?]

Pape responds to my words with a voice full of doubt. He doesn’t seem convinced.

[It’s October 1st. Summer?]

“This is still summer enough. It’s not yet the weather to turn on the heater, right?”

[Still, it’s not summer.]

“Pape, you’re the type to nitpick the small details. Got it.”

[But the Earth still spins.]

“Just get in the game.”

The horror game we’re playing is a multiplayer horror game.

Think of games like *Phasmophobia*, *Outlast Trials*, *Lethal Company*, and *Devour*.

Making a good multiplayer horror game is quite difficult.

Fundamentally, fear comes from isolation.

When you’re isolated and trying to do something alone, and the possibility of something unknown jumping out at you arises, fear is maximized.

Take *Outlast*, a famous horror game, as an example.

This game is terrifying. It stimulates intense fear, and that’s a big reason why *Outlast* is considered a masterpiece.

But if you take *Outlast*’s in-game experience and change just one thing—making it a 2-player game instead of single-player—would the fear remain the same?

Absolutely not.

Having someone to share the fear with is reassuring.

That’s why multiplayer horror games all have a similar structure.

They give players a specific objective and naturally separate them.

The game we’re playing, *Haunted Building*, doesn’t stray far from this.

I entered the game lobby and turned on my in-game mic.

“Ah, can you hear me?”

“I can hear you.”

A response came from the other side.

It was Pape.

Then others joined.

Bunny Run and Mos connected, and I spoke up.

“It would’ve been nice if Bbangbbang was here too.”

“He’s at Worlds right now. How could he come?”

Currently, Bbangbbang had left for Europe to participate in the World Championship.

As one of the strong contenders for the championship, he didn’t have time to spare for something like this.

I responded in a worried tone.

“Players who win championships often hit a slump right after, so I’m really worried.”

“Are you really worried, or are you just trying to tease him?”

“Do you think I’m a psychopath? Of course, I’d be sad if my friend was struggling.”

By the way, Chaenarin and Choco Full Bread couldn’t make it because they had school.

College students need to study.

“Come to think of it, out of the ‘Asegu’ members, only two are full-time streamers, right?”

“You guys are the weird ones.”

Mos, whose main job is a tax accountant, and me, a game developer. Plus Chaenarin and Choco Full Bread, who are college students.

Out of six members, four are part-time streamers—quite an unusual situation.

Pape, while adjusting the game settings, brought up a point.

“Anyway, you stream more than full-time streamers.”

“I just don’t sleep much.”

Usually, part-time streamers struggle to find enough time, but we’re different.

Mos, being a tax accountant, has a great work-life balance, and I just stream non-stop without sleeping once I start.

In practice, it’s not much different from being a full-time streamer.

“Unnie.”

Bunny Run spoke up.

Her voice sounded stiff.

What’s going on? Did she not get to play *Eternal World* today?

*Donation: ㅇㅇ님이 1000원 후원*

“Bunny Run is famous for not being able to play horror games.”

Ah, I see.

“Ms. Bunny Run, you seem to be quite scared, huh?”

“I’m not scared. What are you talking about?”

“Don’t worry. It fits the RP that rabbits are easily scared.”

“……”

Bunny Run’s mic went off for a moment. Just as I blinked, wondering what was going on, someone tapped me on the shoulder.

When I took off the VR device, I saw a familiar face.

Bunny Run calmly parted her lips.

“If you keep teasing me, I’ll follow you around forever.”

“Your way of threatening is weird. Alright.”

Hearing my response, Bunny Run scurried away.

Suddenly, it felt like the situation where Bunny Run had settled into my house was turning into a horror game.

It was so natural that it was almost like an urban legend.

Well, the house was too big, so having someone live with me was better.

James alone couldn’t cover it.

I really bought this huge house without thinking. I should sell it when the short-term special tax disappears and move to a smaller place.

I put on the VR device.

Then, the chat started flooding in.

―――

Hehehe

(Evil grin emoji)

Hehehe

―――

Seeing everyone laughing, it was clear they were looking forward to the horror game.

“Not playing the game?”

“Of course, I am.”

In short, [Haunted Building] is a game about escaping together.

It’s a common setting in multiplayer horror games.

“There’s a game like this? Did you make it?”

“Of course not. It’s an obscure indie game I brought.”

“Really?”

At my words, Pape tilted his head and checked the developer of [Haunted Building].

“Yuna… Mir? Never heard of this developer.”

“I told you, it’s an obscure indie game.”

“It’s amazing that an unknown company has such high quality.”

“There are many hidden masters out there.”

The world is wide, and there are many eccentric people. In the martial world, you should always hide 30% of your strength.

“Then, get ready.”

“Sis, I’m ready.”

“Me too.”

“Me too.”

“Then, let’s start.”

There’s a saying that the story of a game is like the story of a porno.

It means it’s important.

Because pornos are always better with a story.

In short, the story of [Haunted Building] is this.

Characters from a university ‘Urban Legend Club’ enter a building with strange rumors and get caught up in bizarre phenomena, trying to escape.

It’s a common story, but that’s why it’s good. People tend to gravitate towards the familiar.

[1st Floor Lobby]

A short message popped up, and the game began.

Creak―. The pendant lights hanging from the ceiling swayed.

Maybe because the only light source wasn’t very bright. The surroundings were dimly visible.

I turned my head to survey the 1st-floor lobby.

First, all the windows were pitch black. It wasn’t a normal scene.

The atmosphere was spot on. Truly a game made by a hidden master.

“Sis.”

“You scared me.”

At the voice from behind, I turned around.

Bunny Run was cowering, clinging tightly to my back.

I pulled Bunny Run’s ear and asked.

“Ms. Bunny Run. If you’re like this already, how are you going to progress in the game?”

“…Do you know how many horror games I’ve cleared? It’s fine.”

“Where are the others?”

“I’m here.”

“Me too.”

As soon as I finished speaking, Mos and Pape logged into the game.

They looked around the building lobby and muttered softly.

“The atmosphere is insane.”

“Right. You can feel the malice of wanting to torment people.”

Pape approached the building’s main door and pushed hard. Clank. The door didn’t budge, and Pape clicked his tongue.

“No way.”

“If it opened, the game wouldn’t work. It’s obvious.”

“I just tried it in case. What do we do now?”

As mentioned, [Haunted Building] is a game about escaping.

The progression in such games is simple.

“Shouldn’t we find a way to escape?”

“There’s nothing here?”

“That’s―.”

Just as I was about to explain.

Ding. A light sound effect played, and a wall opened.

Kyaaah! Ignoring Bunny Run’s scream over nothing, I turned my head.

A yellow light illuminated the dark lobby.

Looking at the suddenly arrived elevator, I continued.

“Shouldn’t we go to the 2nd floor first to find out?”

“…Are we going to die as soon as we enter?”

“Don’t be scared. Come on, quickly. Ms. Bunny Run too.”

“Sis. Maybe we should stop here for today?”

“Come on, quickly.”