Horror Films vs Horror Games: An Opinion

Horror is a genre that is constantly evolving, known for its wide range from mindless violence to psychological horrors. If you enjoy being scared, the horror genre offers a lot of variety—there is something for everyone.

Games and films often rely on classic horror tropes such as jumpscares, characters splitting up, possession, and more. However, the most memorable horror titles usually find a way to subvert these expectations. The way these tropes are subverted can vary depending on the type of media.

Unlike other genres, horror needs to be presented differently in films and games. The key factor here is playability—in games, you are the one making decisions. If you make a wrong move, die, or get a character killed, it’s on you. In horror films, you are just a passive observer. The characters on the screen won’t react if you leave to grab more popcorn. You have no impact on that world.

As someone who is a big fan of horror but not a fan of jumpscares, I want to explore why classic horror tropes work differently in games and films. In my opinion, adapting horror games into films is often more challenging. I will be mentioning moments from classic films and games, but I will try to avoid spoilers whenever possible and warn you before sharing any.