Horror games have been a staple in the gaming industry for decades, but have you ever wondered who created the first horror game? The origins of horror gaming can be traced back to the early days of video games, where developers were experimenting with new genres and styles. In this article, we will explore the history of horror gaming and uncover the identity of the first horror game. Join us as we delve into the dark and eerie world of horror gaming, and discover the game that started it all.
The origins of horror gaming can be traced back to the early 1980s with the release of games such as “Haunted House” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” However, the first true horror game is widely considered to be “The Scream” created by Broderbund in 1991. The game was based on a novel by the same name and featured graphics and gameplay that were innovative for the time. Since then, horror gaming has become a popular genre with many classic and modern games that continue to thrill and terrify players.
The Evolution of Horror Games
Early Horror Games
Haunted House (1981)
Haunted House is considered one of the first horror games ever created. It was developed by Atari and released in 1981 for the Atari 2600 console. The game was designed by programmer Warren Robinett and was inspired by the classic horror movie “House on Haunted Hill.”
In Haunted House, the player takes control of a character who is trapped in a haunted mansion and must navigate through a series of rooms to find a way out. The game features a first-person perspective and uses simple graphics and sound effects to create a spooky atmosphere.
The game’s success led to several sequels, including Haunted House II and Haunted House III, which were also developed by Atari.
Maze of the King (1981)
Maze of the King is another early horror game that was released in 1981 for the Apple II computer. The game was developed by On-Line Systems and was designed by Roe Adams, who would later go on to create the popular text adventure game, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
In Maze of the King, the player takes control of a character who is exploring a haunted castle in search of a treasure. The game features a first-person perspective and uses simple graphics and text-based gameplay to create a sense of suspense and fear.
The game’s story was inspired by the classic horror novel “Dracula,” and the game’s castles were modeled after the castle of Bram Stoker, the author of “Dracula.”
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (1981)
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is a classic RPG game that was released in 1981 for the Apple II computer. The game was developed by Sir-Tech Software and was designed by Andrew Greenberg.
Wizardry features a dark and foreboding fantasy world, and the game’s story revolves around a group of adventurers who must explore a series of dungeons and defeat a powerful overlord. The game’s graphics were limited to simple text-based representations of characters and environments, but the game’s story and gameplay were enough to capture the imagination of gamers at the time.
Wizardry was also notable for its innovative use of multiplayer gameplay, which allowed players to connect with each other and explore the game’s world together. This feature helped to establish the popularity of multiplayer gaming and would go on to influence the development of many subsequent RPG games.
The Rise of Survival Horror Games
The surge of survival horror games marked a significant turning point in the history of horror gaming. This genre of games focuses on the player’s ability to survive against various threats, both supernatural and natural, and it was popularized by several key titles in the 1990s.
Resident Evil (1996)
Resident Evil, developed and published by Capcom, was released in 1996 for the PlayStation console. The game was created by Shinji Mikami and took inspiration from classic horror films, particularly those of George A. Romero. The game follows the story of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, two members of the Special Tactics and Rescue Squad (S.T.A.R.S.), as they investigate a series of bizarre murders in the fictional Raccoon City.
Resident Evil revolutionized the horror gaming genre by introducing a third-person perspective, which gave players a more immersive experience. The game also introduced a unique inventory system, where players had to manage their resources and items carefully to survive. The iconic fixed camera angles added to the suspense and created a sense of claustrophobia, making the game all the more terrifying.
Silent Hill (1999)
Silent Hill, developed and published by Konami, was released in 1999 for the PlayStation console. The game was created by Keiichiro Toyama, who took inspiration from classic horror novels and films, as well as his own experiences of living in a small town. The game follows the story of Harry Mason, who is searching for his missing daughter in the eponymous town of Silent Hill.
Silent Hill introduced a unique psychological horror experience, where players had to navigate through a mysterious and dark world, facing grotesque creatures and solving puzzles. The game’s otherworldly atmosphere was enhanced by its haunting soundtrack, which played a crucial role in creating an unsettling and eerie environment.
The rise of survival horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill marked a significant turning point in the history of horror gaming. These games pioneered new mechanics and storytelling techniques that would go on to influence the entire genre.
Modern Horror Games
Modern horror games have evolved significantly from their early beginnings, with advancements in technology and storytelling techniques leading to more immersive and terrifying experiences for players. Some of the most notable modern horror games include:
Outlast (2013)
Outlast is a first-person survival horror game developed by Red Barrels. The game follows the story of a journalist who is investigating a mysterious asylum, only to find himself trapped and hunted by the deranged patients.
One of the most innovative features of Outlast is its use of a unique mechanic where the player must conserve battery power for their camera, forcing them to navigate the dark and dangerous environment carefully. The game’s atmosphere is intensified by its use of claustrophobic environments, terrifying sound design, and disturbing imagery.
Until Dawn (2015)
Until Dawn is an interactive drama and horror game developed by Supermassive Games. The game follows a group of teenagers who are stranded on a mountain and must survive until help arrives. However, they are also being hunted by a mysterious entity known as “The Butcher.”
One of the unique aspects of Until Dawn is its use of branching storylines and multiple endings, which allows players to make choices that affect the outcome of the game. The game’s narrative is driven by a combination of dialogue, quick-time events, and player choices, making it a highly replayable experience.
Both Outlast and Until Dawn are considered modern horror game classics, with their immersive storytelling, terrifying environments, and innovative gameplay mechanics. These games have set a high standard for the horror genre, and their influence can be seen in many of the horror games that have followed in their wake.
The Debate Surrounding the First Horror Game
The Contenders
The Haunted House (1981)
- The Haunted House is considered by many to be one of the first horror games ever created.
- Developed by Atari, Inc., the game was released in 1981 for the Atari 2600 console.
- Players navigated a spooky mansion, collecting objects and avoiding ghosts and other supernatural creatures.
- The game’s success paved the way for the development of future horror games and established the genre’s popularity.
Halloween (1978)
- Halloween, released in 1978, was not a video game but a horror film that has been credited with inspiring the horror genre in both film and gaming.
- The film’s success sparked a wave of horror movies in the 1980s, many of which influenced the development of horror games.
- The film’s iconic characters, such as Michael Myers, have become beloved figures in popular culture and continue to inspire new horror content to this day.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, released in 1974, is another horror film that has had a significant impact on the genre in both film and gaming.
- The film’s terrifying portrayal of a family of cannibals wielding chainsaws inspired numerous horror games, including the popular survival horror game, Dead by Daylight.
- The film’s iconic villain, Leatherface, has become a staple of the horror genre and continues to inspire new content in the world of gaming and popular culture.
The Criteria
When discussing the first horror game, it is important to establish a set of criteria to determine what qualifies as a horror game. The criteria for determining the first horror game can be broken down into three main categories: scare factor, innovation, and commercial success.
Scare Factor
The scare factor is perhaps the most subjective criterion for determining the first horror game. A horror game must be able to elicit feelings of fear, dread, and unease in the player. This can be achieved through various means, such as jump scares, atmospheric tension, and psychological horror. Some argue that the first horror game must have been able to scare players in a way that had never been seen before, while others argue that it simply needs to be effective at creating fear.
Innovation
Innovation is another important criterion for determining the first horror game. The first horror game must have introduced new elements or mechanics that set it apart from other games at the time. This could include unique gameplay mechanics, innovative storytelling techniques, or groundbreaking graphics. Without innovation, a game may be able to scare players, but it may not have had a lasting impact on the industry.
Commercial Success
Commercial success is the final criterion for determining the first horror game. A game may be able to scare players and introduce new elements, but if it fails to find an audience, it may not be considered the first horror game. The first horror game must have been commercially successful, which means it must have sold well and gained a significant following. This can be determined by looking at the game’s critical reception, sales figures, and cultural impact.
In conclusion, the criteria for determining the first horror game are multifaceted and can be subjective. However, by considering the scare factor, innovation, and commercial success, we can gain a better understanding of what makes a game a true horror classic.
The Verdict
The debate surrounding the first horror game has been a topic of much discussion and speculation within the gaming community. While some may argue that the first horror game was “The Haunted House” created in 1981, others believe that it was “Halloween” created in 1978, or even “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” created in 1974.
However, after a thorough analysis of the history of horror gaming, it is widely accepted that the first horror game was indeed “The Haunted House.” This groundbreaking game was created by Atari and was released in 1981 for the Atari 2600 console. It was the first game to incorporate elements of horror and suspense into the gaming experience, and it set the stage for the numerous horror games that followed.
The game’s success was due in part to its innovative use of light and sound effects, which created a spooky and unsettling atmosphere. Players had to navigate through a haunted house, avoiding ghosts and other supernatural creatures while collecting points. The game’s simplicity and addictive gameplay made it a hit among gamers, and it paved the way for the development of more complex and terrifying horror games in the years to come.
In conclusion, “The Haunted House” was the first horror game, and it remains a classic to this day. Its impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it will always be remembered as a pioneer in the world of horror gaming.
The Impact of the First Horror Game
Changes in the Gaming Industry
Shift to Storytelling
The first horror game marked a significant shift in the gaming industry towards prioritizing storytelling and narrative-driven experiences. Before this, most games were simple arcade-style titles focused on action and reflexes. However, the first horror game demonstrated that games could be used as a medium for conveying a darker, more complex narrative. This shift in focus has continued to evolve over time, with modern horror games often boasting intricate storylines and character development.
Technological Advancements
The development of the first horror game also coincided with significant technological advancements in the gaming industry. As hardware became more powerful, developers were able to create more immersive and realistic environments for players to explore. This allowed for a more terrifying and intense experience for players, as they were able to feel more connected to the game world and its inhabitants.
Additionally, the advancements in audio technology allowed for more sophisticated sound design, which played a crucial role in creating a sense of fear and tension in horror games. The use of atmospheric sound effects, such as creaking doors and eerie whispers, helped to build a haunting atmosphere that kept players on edge.
The Rise of Horror as a Genre
The success of the first horror game also paved the way for the rise of horror as a genre in the gaming industry. After its release, many developers began experimenting with horror themes and concepts, leading to a proliferation of horror games across various platforms. This led to the development of numerous subgenres within horror gaming, such as survival horror, psychological horror, and cosmic horror, each with their unique gameplay mechanics and storytelling techniques.
The popularity of horror games also expanded beyond the gaming community, with mainstream media taking notice of the growing trend. This increased exposure helped to solidify horror as a respected genre within the gaming industry, leading to the development of more sophisticated and terrifying experiences for players to enjoy.
Changes in Popular Culture
The Birth of the Slasher Film
The emergence of the first horror game coincided with the rise of the slasher film genre in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These films, characterized by their graphic violence and masked killers, captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide and set the stage for a new era of horror entertainment. The success of films such as Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th (1980), and Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) not only inspired a new generation of horror fans but also provided a template for the development of horror video games.
The Horror Boom of the 1980s and 1990s
The 1980s and 1990s saw a horror boom in both film and video games. With the widespread adoption of home video game consoles, horror games became increasingly popular, with titles such as Castlevania (1986), Resident Evil (1996), and Silent Hill (1999) leading the way. These games not only built upon the successes of their cinematic counterparts but also expanded the possibilities of what horror games could be, incorporating new technologies and storytelling techniques to create unforgettable experiences.
The Evolution of Horror in the 21st Century
In the 21st century, horror games have continued to evolve and diversify, with titles such as Amnesia (2010), Outlast (2013), and Until Dawn (2015) pushing the boundaries of the genre. Advances in technology have allowed developers to create more immersive and terrifying experiences, while the rise of indie horror games has led to a resurgence of interest in classic horror tropes and a focus on narrative-driven experiences.
Today, horror games remain a vital and influential part of the gaming industry, with new titles and innovations continually pushing the envelope of what is possible in the realm of interactive horror entertainment.
FAQs
1. What is considered the first horror game?
The first horror game is considered to be “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” which was released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64 console. The game features a dark and ominous atmosphere, with elements of horror and suspense throughout.
2. Who created the first horror game?
The first horror game was created by a Japanese video game developer named Shigeru Miyamoto. He is known for creating some of the most iconic and influential video games of all time, including “The Legend of Zelda” series, “Super Mario Bros.,” and “Donkey Kong.”
3. When was the first horror game released?
The first horror game, “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” was released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64 console.
4. What makes a game a horror game?
A game can be considered a horror game if it is designed to elicit feelings of fear, dread, and suspense in the player. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques, such as using dark and ominous atmospheres, depicting graphic violence or gore, and incorporating elements of supernatural or paranormal horror.
5. How has the horror genre evolved in video games?
The horror genre in video games has evolved significantly over the years, with new games incorporating more advanced technology and more sophisticated storytelling techniques. Today’s horror games often incorporate elements of psychological horror, exploration, and survival, and are designed to be more immersive and terrifying than ever before.