Crafting fear: theories of horror in game design

Abstract

In the vast landscape of video game development, the horror genre stands as a prominent domain, both in terms of the sheer volume of existing games and the substantial player base it commands. Year after year, the appetite of horror enthusiasts for increasingly immersive experiences continues to grow. However, despite the abundance of material available in this genre, achieving the elusive goal of invoking genuine fear and suspense in players remains a formidable challenge for game developers. While existing resources provide valuable insights into the visual and auditory elements of horror game design, not much is said about the mechanics and dynamics unique to the horror genre. "Crafting Fear: Theories of Horror in Game Design" embarks on a journey to bridge this conspicuous gap by adopting the MDA Framework, as postulated by Robin Hunicke, Marc LeBlanc, and Robert Zubek in 2004. Central to the MDA Framework is the principle that successful game design necessitates the prioritization of mechanics and dynamics before delving into aesthetics. This document aims to demystify the intricate process of crafting horror experiences, offering a definitive blueprint for game designers engaged in the nuanced task of creating horror games. The research within this thesis involves a comprehensive examination and synthesis of existing resources, encompassing documentation, blogs, videos, and the development of a prototype computer game to validate the theories stated. While the prevailing discourse within the gaming community often fixates on the aesthetic aspects of horror games, this thesis distinguishes itself by placing a primary emphasis on the mechanics and dynamics that conspire to elicit fear in players. By doing so, it seeks to provide an invaluable resource for those aspiring to master the art of horror game design, and ultimately enhance the immersive and spine-tingling experiences of horror game enthusiasts.