Chapter 166: A Message from the Players!
Originally, all the designers came here today to ask about the new VR equipment, its specifications, and other features in development. However, the Silent Hill PT demo sent by Alex completely interrupted their agenda.
As for the Research Park, today also had a special theme: "screaming."
In the face of emotional instability and fear, how to express it in the most effective way? The answer was simple: scream! For an adult man, and also an experienced tester, being scared by a test demo was something they considered quite humiliating.
So, despite Leo's initial fear, even in his first surprising encounter with Lisa (the ghost) at the bathroom door, he only let out an unconscious scream. It wasn't until later, when he was in an intimate and close relationship with Lisa, that he finally let loose, following his instincts and letting out a loud scream.
By the time Nick and Ethan tried it, they finally understood what this game was all about. It wasn't a game for the living!
The only thing that gave them peace of mind was that Leo had already let loose, which freed them from the pressure. They could express their inner fear by screaming. For an instant, the entire research institute was filled with screams like a pig being slaughtered.
After a long break, Leo, upon returning to the game, thought he would be stronger to face everything. After all, it was still a horror game.
As a player becomes familiar with a horror game, the fear it causes gradually decreases. But upon replaying it, Leo realized that he had been overthinking it too much, or perhaps he was only half right.
It's true that horror games become less terrifying as players become familiar with them. But the most crucial problem now was that he still didn't know it completely. The only thing he knew was what the female ghost looked like.
'And the rest? Everything was unknown!'
He thought he had reached the end of the game, but reality taught him a lesson. The game entered the other world, and upon crossing the door again, a faint sound of running water filled the air. The original lighting had turned crimson red.
Even the chandelier hanging from the ceiling had been replaced by a large refrigerator. The refrigerator swayed in the air, and the supposed red light was the reflection of the countless blood it contained. During this section, the game's first unsettling music played, and the loud cries of a baby could be heard emanating from the refrigerator. Above the radio's roar, a faint voice was heard: "After killing his family, the father hanged himself with a rubber hose (umbilical cord) from the garage." Upon looking at the refrigerator hanging from the ceiling, crimson blood spilled directly from the inside, covering the player's face.
The sudden sound of high heels behind him brought the game's atmosphere to a suffocating climax.
In this environment, coupled with Lisa's charming body pressed against his cheek, the research park's testers engaged in an intense competition.
Upon leaving the research institute, Alex felt relatively relaxed. He thought that the Silent Hill PT demo would help the testers generate more feedback and improve the VR equipment. And judging by their current performance, they probably wouldn't be able to access the demo for a while.
As for the new VR equipment, Alex was quite interested in it. The experience was, without a doubt, a breakthrough from the previous one. Unfortunately, it would not be ready for market launch in the short term.
While Alex was reflecting on this, his phone rang. It was David Yang, the head of the video game department.
"Director Yang, how are you?" Alex asked after answering.
"Not much, Alex. Just to let you know, the grant should arrive next Monday. Additionally, this demo is very valuable for testing. If you are going to develop virtual reality games in the future, especially horror games aimed at the consumer market, Alex, you should be more cautious!" David Yang's expression on the other end of the line was complex.
He had also read about the content of Silent Hill PT. 'How to describe it? It's a bit unusual.'
And most importantly, there are no particularly bloody scenes in this game. The only thing that is slightly disturbing is the fetus in the toilet. In other words, even if it were not just a demo test, the content of Silent Hill PT would undoubtedly pass review standards.
But once the game is released and integrated with virtual reality glasses, the consequences are unimaginable! After all, it would be normal players who would experience the game, not their dedicated testers. This is not creating a game for players; it's alienating players!
How many players could handle that?
"I think what Minister Yang said is completely true. Alex, if you really release Silent Hill PT, you will alienate most players," Mark, who was accompanying Alex, joked after waiting for Alex to finish his call.
"It's not that exaggerated. It's mainly because the new virtual reality version is so immersive. Both the graphics and sound effects are incredibly realistic," Alex said with excitement.
The terrifying qualities of a horror game, beyond its spooky visual effects, are also crucial to its sound effects. Take Outlast as an example. In front of the grim doors, the distant buildings resemble a giant beast in the darkness, with a deeply depressing appearance. But if, at that moment, a humorous tone accompanies the soundtrack, accompanied by a comic character's supporting role, the effect is completely neutralized. On the contrary, if grim sound effects are present, but the asylum itself is transformed into a sunny "Bikini Bottom," the sense of terror is reduced.
"That's true," Mark nodded.
"But horror games still struggle to achieve explosive sales," Mark sighed.
"Indeed," Alex nodded.
That's why horror games have always been considered a niche genre. Too scary and terrifying results in critical acclaim, but little commercial success. Players simply hesitate to play alone, and sales naturally decline. And if it's not scary, then it's a useless horror game.
"But the design of Silent Hill PT made it very difficult for us designers, especially the looping hallways with their traps and the narrow spaces, combined with Lisa's back-and-forth deaths. Remembering it still scares me a little!" Mark sighed.
"It's mainly because it's just a demo, so I can experiment with it," Alex said with a smile.
"It's a shame that it can only be played on the new VR version; otherwise, I'd love to study your demo more," Mark said with a smile.
"Don't worry, Alex, if you want to play it, it's just a demo. The game department said it's not confidential, so I'll develop it upon my return. Then, Mark, we can talk about it in depth and you can give me some suggestions," Alex continued.
Upon hearing Alex's words, Mark was stunned.
'No! That's not what he meant. He was just exaggerating! Who wants to play it? That's not what he meant!'
Mark was paralyzed, wanting to speak, but feeling embarrassed. He couldn't say it, was he scared?
"Alex, there's no need. There's no need," Mark said.
"You're welcome, Alex. It's easy to release a PC version. After all, the materials are available and it only takes two days. Besides, it's a small gift for the players, a little surprise," Alex said with a smile.
Upon hearing Alex's words, Mark fell silent. If it meant surprise, he was sure that players would be quite surprised.
'But do you call that joy?'
"Thank you on behalf of the players!"
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