As the release date approaches, Resident Evil Village has emerged as an increasingly promising horror experience, with one notable aspect catching the attention of style aficionados: its uncanny resemblance to the 2014 survival horror cult classic’s gameplay mechanics and distinctive aesthetic.
In an interview with GamingBolt, Stormind Games’ lead sport designer Manuel Moavero discussed how the studio aimed to capture the feeling of being perpetually stalked by a formidable foe that cannot be directly confronted?
“As we explored game development, we were struck by the innovative ways many titles effectively combined tension and atmosphere,” Moavero said. “Alien: Isolation Our primary motivation stemmed from the thrill of navigating a high-pressure environment where we were constantly hunted by an unseen adversary, rendering direct confrontation impossible. The perpetual anxiety sparked by the insidious yet intangible threat was a pressing concern that required immediate attention. The Last Road TripHowever, the innovative game features a unique sound-based mechanic.
Moevovero elaborated on the franchise’s diverse title inspirations, drawing from various alternatives that spanned a broad spectrum.
He noted that “the documentary served as a stark reminder of how resource management and environmental interaction can create significant pressure.” “Inspired by this thought experiment, we began to consider how one might manufacture anxiety without constantly staging adversaries, instead leveraging the existential threats of vulnerability and isolation.”
“We also drew creative influence from popular video games such as ‘s immersive stealth mechanics and ‘s emphasis on the crucial role of environment and audio cues in determining survival.” Those iconic video games instilled in us a crucial lesson about balancing tension, exploration, and risk in a way that fully immerses the player in a frighteningly intense experience without becoming overly punishing.
Moreover, Moavero touched on the recent revival of the horror genre in video games, highlighting how this trend has inspired developers to craft unique and diverse types of terrifying experiences.
“In recent years, the resurgence of horror video games has unlocked a world of creative possibilities for developers, enabling them to explore fresh concepts and innovative approaches that elevate the genre.” As technology advances and gameplay evolves, players’ appetites for novel experiences expand, empowering developers to defy traditional horror game conventions. As we converse, a diverse array of games comes into view, encompassing high-octane action titles, psychologically charged survival horror, and eerie atmospheric horrors. In the case of…
The success of contemporary horror video games granted us the creative freedom to push boundaries, allowing us to craft a more immersive, sound-driven experience that honors the genre’s roots while innovating and evolving its core principles.
Our full interview with Moavero will be available shortly, so please stay tuned.
debuts on October 17 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
