Evil Santa - Games

The 'Evil Santa' trope subverts holiday cheer by casting Santa Claus as a malevolent figure, often in horror or dark fantasy games. This design twist explores themes of corrupted innocence, using familiar iconography—red suits, sleighs, elves—to create unsettling contrasts. Common gameplay elements include survival horror mechanics, where players evade or confront this twisted version of Christmas, or narrative-driven experiences that critique commercialism or societal pressures. The concept leverages cognitive dissonance, turning a symbol of generosity into a source of fear, thereby enhancing immersion and emotional impact in games that challenge traditional festive expectations.