Horror themes have proven to be very popular across multiple media as a form of entertainment or source of inspiration.
We’ve seen the theme become one of the top movie genres, and with spooky season around the corner, there are some significant potential blockbuster hits on the horizon. New horror movies for 2025 include the highly anticipated sequels Black Phone 2 and The Conjuring: Last Rites, the next installments in the Predator franchise (Badlands) and the 28 Days Later series, and a new horror take on Mickey Mouse called Screamboat.
Many books and novels using this theme have been released over the years, continuing to do well on bestseller lists. Furthermore, numerous games have been released that utilize horror elements to maximum effect, creating an immersive and entertaining gaming experience for players seeking the thrills that can be obtained.
Horror-themed games can be found across various niches within the gaming sector, including video games, mobile games, board games, and even casino games. If you head to one of the sites that makes it easier for players to find the best Halloween themed casino games that suit their playing needs and ensures safe sessions, you’ll find it very easy to come across games that use the spooky elements that this genre contains.
In fact, it isn’t a surprise that casinos and other game developers continue to use horror themes in the way that they do, as it’s arguably one of the genres that can have a significant impact on the overall user experience that a player receives.
Why are horror themes perfect for games?
Games are an entertainment medium that requires the audience to be captured in almost the same way as films do. While written forms of media require a little more description (which horror themes can provide), the visual experience needs to be extremely compelling for viewers.
Many visuals are synonymous with the genre, with many expecting certain elements whenever they hear that the theme is horror-based. It’s not unreasonable to expect to hear certain noises that can instill fright within the audience, or sounds that create tension and suspense.
At the same time, it’s expected to see dark imagery used, with designers employing specific visuals, such as abandoned and haunted buildings, creatures like bats, and other features that symbolize the theme. For game designers, each of these aspects can be easily implemented within a game. But, how is this achieved in an effective way?
Level Design To Create An Immersive UX
Horror games use level design to manipulate player emotions. This can include using narrow hallways to create claustrophobia, locked paths that push players forward without retreat, and circular routes that provide tension relief. These spatial and environmental cues guide user focus and emotional pacing, which can be applied in UX design to direct user attention, control the flow of information, and modulate stress or comfort in digital experiences.
Using Jump Scares to Build Player Experiences
Jump scares in horror games trigger involuntary fight-or-flight responses but are most effective when players are already tense. Effective use of jump scares involves a scripted buildup with cues like flickering lights or ominous sounds, making the jump scare impactful by pushing players beyond their fear threshold. Overusing them can reduce their effectiveness, so pacing and unpredictability are key design considerations in UX.
Using Visuals To Engage Players Psychologically
Horror games use darkness, sound cues, and unpredictability to build fear and tension and to then continue to drive these feelings onwards throughout the title. In doing so, this creates strong psychological engagement by stimulating the player’s senses and imagination. Translating this to UX, designers can use sensory elements, pacing, and unpredictable interactions to deepen emotional connections and keep users immersed, enhancing the overall experience.
Developers Must Be Careful Not To Overdo It
While many of the techniques mentioned can be extremely effective in creating a positive horror experience, they can also become predictable when overused. If this is the case, things become less scary and almost comedic at times.
Jump scares are most effective when used sparingly as sudden, unexpected events that break tension at key moments. Overusing them makes them predictable, reduces their impact, and can cause players to become desensitized or annoyed rather than scared. When players anticipate jump scares, the tension and fear the game tries to build are lost, turning scares into bothersome distractions rather than impactful moments.
At the same time, games that rely heavily or exclusively on jump scares risk losing player immersion and engagement due to a lack of pacing and variety. Without a buildup of suspense or psychological horror, jump scares alone create a shallow experience with little lasting emotional impact. Excessive jump scares may also frustrate players by diminishing their sense of agency and rendering the horror feel like cheap tricks rather than genuine threats.
Overusing elements that startle or disrupt can degrade overall user satisfaction, causing frustration, lower engagement, and damage to brand trust. Just like in horror games, surprise or disruptive interactions should be meaningful and well-paced to avoid annoying or alienating users.
