Why do people like horror games?

17th August, 2023 | Home / Blog / Gaming broadband / Why do people like horror games?

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We saw the BBC publish an article about Twitch gaming and why horror games have increased in popularity within the gaming and streaming community. The article engages in conversations with gamers who immerse themselves in the world of horror games, explaining both the motivations for playing and streaming these spine-tingling experiences.

So, we set out to have a chat with dedicated gamers from the gaming community. Do gamers genuinely have an affinity for delving into the realms of horror games, and if so, what lies behind their fascination?

So that’s what we did. Let’s jump to their answers!

Why do people play horror games?

It’s kind of fun! People play horror games because it gives them a sense of community with their fellow gamers, they love the adrenaline rush, and the horror genre helps them safely experience danger and strong emotions.

We’ve interviewed some keen players and streamers of horror games, to get their perspectives on why they play horror games.

Callum, why do you love playing horror games?

“In a gaming landscape that is predominantly populated with open-world RPGs and fast-paced FPS titles that make you feel like a god among men, or a super soldier respectively…

Horror games offer an interactive experience that humbles the player, makes them feel vulnerable, and has them question gaming decisions they would make without a second thought.

Naturally, they offer that jolt of adrenaline that no other genre can quite match.

I’ll concede, amazing AAA horror titles have been few and far between in the last decade, and indie gaming has been a haven for great horrors in this period.

However, even with the genre’s struggles, there will always be a place in the industry for these types of games.”

What do you think of the BBC article about Twitch’s horror games?

“This article seems to think that it’s surprising that some would be drawn to horror as a genre but doesn’t go deep enough into why we follow our favourite horror game streamers on Twitch.

At its core, people gravitate to horror streamers because big reactions from big personalities often equate to top-level entertainment.

It’s not a new phenomenon.

PewDiePie largely cultivated his mass following by playing Amnesia: The Dark Descent, peppering theatrical reactions to scares throughout.

That’s essentially the foot in the door, but the ‘book club’ feel purely comes down to how warm, inviting, and watchable the streamer in question is, and horror gaming fans can often relate to that.

Concerning the creators on Twitch, not just any old streamer can grow a following because horror gaming is so watchable. The streamer needs to bring them into this world, and entertain as well.”

Callum Marshall, Managing Editor, Indie Game Culture

Who’s Callum?

He is the Gaming Managing Editor for Indie Game Culture, a publication that tries to shine a light on indie games before giving the AAA titles the time of day.

He’s a big fan of horror games and has played a ton, but some of his favourites worth mentioning are Dead Space, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Little Nightmares, and Darkwood, just to name a few.

Callum has been around the block within the gaming industry, working as an Editor-in-chief for several well-respected gaming outlets, he has worked as a games tester, has gaming podcast experience, and has worked in gaming PR.

You name it, and Callum was probably there or somewhere on the periphery.

Reyiell, why do you love playing horror games?

“I’ve been playing since getting my first PlayStation 1 and Resident Evil back in 1996. For me horror games (and any other games tbh) give me a way to escape my day-to-day routine, they help me experience intense emotions in a safe environment.

These experiences are shared with my viewers when I stream and we get to laugh together at our reactions.”

Games I play: Resident Evil, Silent Hill, The Division 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Indie games.

Laura, why do you love playing horror games?

“I have gamed since I was a child but got really into gaming as a teenager when I first started playing Resident Evil and Final Fantasy (these games have remained staples in what I do, with the former igniting my passion for horror games).”

“I have been streaming on Twitch for 3 years and my community LOVE to see me jump! I think there is an enjoyment of all being scared together when it comes to horror games that create a bond between us.

We are a very welcoming and wholesome community and most of us have felt like an outsider in real life (a lot of my friends and family look down on my love of gaming and cosplaying) so we have all found a genuine fellowship amongst the horror gaming community.”

Games I play: a variety but mostly horror games (my main game is Dead by Daylight but I also play a lot of Resident Evil, Until Dawn, The Dark Pictures anthology, Dark Souls, Phasmophobia, and Final Fantasy)

Navah, what do you think of the article about Twitch’s horror video games?

“Horror games do a great job of capturing viewers and so make sense as the content for Twitch streams. That said, due to the gore many horror games delight in, they can be tougher to pair with monetization opportunities.

I suspect most horror game Twitch streamers do better with support through Patreon or other fan-based financial incentives.

Where horror games shine is either in gameplay or story (sometimes both). Streamers who can highlight story options most folks won’t want to do themselves, but are morbidly curious about them, make for great Twitch content.”

Why do you like playing video games of the horror genre?

“As for me, I tend to play games more than watch them on stream but I have several friends who stream raids in MMOs – these seem like more meaningful opportunities because it’s sharing strategies for how to beat a demanding boss and/or seeing real people cooperating or battling together.

I’m interested to see how Twitch does in serving the ad tech community as the privacy-first web cracks down on available audiences as well as targeting and tracking.

If nothing else, I can see horror games being an easy channel to identify with and target towards (as opposed to other games that require more subject matter experience to make a relatable copy).”

Rhys, what do you think of the BBC article on Twitch and horror games?

“I agree. I tend to watch horror streamers, and often they provide a welcoming space provided by the streamers which is often at odds with the content of the games. The article talks about Dead By Daylight, which is a game I’ve found very welcoming – my usual team I’m the only straight male on the team.

Even if playing online with a group of players you are not familiar with, usually, toxicity found in other games is routed out pretty quickly.”

So there you have it! Those are some of the reasons people play scary games.

Here are some of the best games, we think at least!

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