Fear - Games

In gaming, fear transcends mere jump scares. It's a psychological tool that manipulates player agency through uncertainty, isolation, and resource scarcity. Designers craft tension via atmospheric soundscapes, constrained visibility, and environmental storytelling that hints at unseen threats. Fear challenges players' decision-making under pressure, often using mechanics like limited saves or permadeath to raise stakes. It explores themes of vulnerability, the unknown, and survival instinct, making victories feel earned through mastered anxiety rather than brute force.