Stress - Games

In game design, stress manifests as a deliberate tension-building tool. It's the dwindling health bar in survival horror, the ticking clock in puzzle games, and the escalating enemy waves in shooters. This mechanic forces players into high-pressure decisions, creating a visceral feedback loop where risk and reward are constantly weighed. Beyond mere difficulty, stress simulates adrenaline-fueled scenarios, making victories feel earned and failures consequential. It transforms passive entertainment into an active emotional experience, proving that controlled discomfort can be profoundly engaging.