Do you like getting scared? Do you enjoy feeling the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and your heart racing as you try to escape from a serial killer or monster?
If so, then you’re probably someone who enjoys playing horror games. But why do people like playing horror games? What is it about them that draws us in and keeps us coming back for more?
In this post, I’ll discuss some of the reasons why people like playing horror games, and I’ll share my own thoughts on the matter.
Table of Contents
Why Do People Like Playing Horror Games?
There are a number of reasons why people enjoy playing horror games. For some, it’s the thrill of being scared and feeling like they’re in danger. Others enjoy the suspense and tension that comes with trying to survive against all odds.
And still, others simply enjoy the challenge of trying to complete a game that is filled with scares and jump scares.
Here are the three main reasons people like playing horror games:
1. The Thrill of Being Scared
One of the most popular reasons for playing horror games is the thrill of being scared. Just like with haunted houses or scary movies, there is a certain appeal to being scared in a controlled setting.
When we’re playing a horror game, we know that we’re not actually in danger and that we can turn off the game at any time. But that doesn’t stop us from getting scared when we’re playing.
It’s the same reason people, including myself, also love going to “haunted mansions” and scary attractions such as Knott’s Scary Farm or Universal Halloween Horror Nights. It’s the quick thrill we get that we don’t usually get on a day-to-day basis that helps break the monotony of life.
For some people, the appeal of being scared is simply the adrenaline rush that comes with it. Their heart races and they get an adrenaline rush as they try to escape from the monster or serial killer chasing them. It’s this feeling of excitement and suspense that keeps them coming back for more.
When we experience adrenaline, our bodies, including our brains, go into overdrive. This is what gives us the “fight or flight” response that helps us survive in dangerous situations. And while we know that we’re not actually in danger when we’re playing horror games, our brains don’t always know that. As a result, we still get the adrenaline rush and the associated benefits, such as increased alertness and focus.
For example, I remember the first time I played the original Resident Evil game. I was so scared that I had to sleep with the lights on for a week afterwards. But even though I was scared, I kept playing because I loved the feeling of suspense and excitement that came with it. I was young of course (or was I?).
2. The Suspense and Tension
Another reason people like playing horror games is the suspense and tension that comes with trying to survive against all odds. In most horror games, you’re up against impossible odds and you have to use all your cunning and intelligence to survive. This can be very suspenseful and exciting, especially if you’re playing with friends and family members.
The suspense and tension of horror games are also one of the things that make them so challenging. If you’re not careful, you can easily die in a horror game. This makes the stakes higher and the challenge more fun.
For example, one of my favorite games is Outlast, which is a first-person horror game. In the game, you’re stuck in an asylum with murderous inmates and you have to use your wits to survive. The suspense and tension of the game are what make it so exciting and fun to play.
You have no weapons and often have to hide in order to survive, all while in a dark and creepy atmosphere.
3. The Challenge
As I mentioned before, one of the things that makes horror games so challenging is that you can easily die in them. This challenge is one of the reasons why people like playing horror games. They enjoy trying to overcome the odds and complete the game. Some people even like to play on the hardest difficulty setting to really test their skills. We call these people psychopaths (I kid…).
Horror games are also challenging because they’re often filled with puzzles and riddles. To complete the game, you often have to use your brain as well as your reflexes. This can be a lot of fun for people who enjoy puzzle games.
For example, the Silent Hill series is known for its challenging puzzles. In order to progress in the game, you often have to solve complex puzzles. This can be very rewarding and a lot of fun for people who like challenging themselves.
4. The Atmosphere
One of the things that makes horror games so appealing is the atmosphere. Most horror games are set in dark and suspenseful environments, which can be very immersive. This immersion is one of the things that makes horror games so exciting. It’s also one of the things that can make them so scary.
When you’re playing a horror game, you often feel like you’re in the game. This feeling of immersion is achieved through the use of sound, lighting, and other environmental factors. For example, the Silent Hill games are known for their use of fog to create a sense of unease and suspense.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but some of the best-looking games I’ve played are actually horror games!
Why Do We Get Scared Playing Horror Games?
Have you ever wondered why we get scared playing horror games? It’s actually a pretty simple answer. When we’re scared, our brains release a chemical called adrenaline. This chemical gives us a burst of energy and makes us more alert.
Adrenaline is the same chemical that our bodies release when we’re in danger. This is why we get a “fight or flight” response when we’re scared. Our bodies are preparing us to either fight the thing that’s scaring us, or to run away from it.
So basically, when we’re playing horror games, our brains think we’re in danger and release adrenaline. This gives us a burst of energy and makes us more alert (they also make your hands sweaty). This is why we get scared when playing horror games.
We also get scared because horror games are suspenseful. They often have us on the edge of our seats, waiting for something to jump out and scare us. This suspense can be very exciting and make us feel like we’re in the middle of the action.
Is Playing Scary Games Healthy?
Now that we know why we get scared playing horror games, you might be wondering if it’s actually healthy. The answer is yes! Playing scary games can actually be good for you.
Studies have shown that playing horror games can help reduce stress through due to their cathartic elements. Horror games can also help improve our moods and make us happier. So if you’re feeling stressed out, try playing a horror game!
Playing horror games can also help improve our hand-eye coordination. This is because we have to be very alert and quick when playing them. Our reflexes also have to be pretty good. So if you’re looking to improve your hand-eye coordination, then playing horror games is a great way to do so.
Personally, if I’m feeling stressed out after a long day of work, I like to unwind by playing a horror game. It helps me relax and forget about my troubles. And if I’m feeling down, playing a horror game can sometimes help cheer me up.
Are Horror Games Good for Anxiety?
Yes, horror games can be good for anxiety. You might think it would be the complete opposite but this is because they help us release adrenaline, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Horror games can also help improve our moods and make us happier. So if you’re feeling anxious, try playing a horror game!
Some Horror Games I Recommend
If you’re interested in playing horror games, then I recommend the following:
- Resident Evil Franchise (I love 4 the most)
- The Evil Within 2
- Outlast 1 & 2
These are just a few of the many great horror games out there.
In conclusion, playing horror games can be good for you. They help reduce stress and anxiety, and can also improve our moods and hand-eye coordination. So if you’re looking for a way to relax or just want to have some fun, then pick up a horror game and give it a try!
Nate has been playing games for 20+years now and started this gaming blog to share his love of video games with the world. He is mostly a casual gamer and enjoys most FPS games, Battle Royales, and MOBAs. Outside of gaming, he also enjoys learning about streetwear, photography, and music. He also has a photography website and a startup he is working on full-time.