Development of a horror game: a study on what causes fear in games

Abstract

Digital games, like other media, have numerous examples of the horror genre. However, few studies focus on the elements that enable these games to achieve their goal of causing fear. This work aims to identify and explore these elements through a literature review, applying them in practice to the development of a cosmic horror game. The game is a 2D sidescroller with puzzle mechanics and a narrative focus, developed using Heather Maxwell Chandler’s methodology, dividing the project into pre-production, production, testing, and finalization stages. The study concludes that, although it was not possible to conduct a survey with players, the game was still successful in creating fear, as evidenced by feedback from testers.