Multiplayer horror games have, over time, become a fan favorite. However, some have begun to feel that it is becoming an overused trend, believing that developers are using it more as a crutch to make a successful game. While some games have used this trend and have become successful because of it, there are plenty of successful horror games that are not solely multiplayer.
A lot of the fan-favorite horror games always had a good trailer to draw players' attention to the game, and they have always contained some great horrifying content fans can expect to receive. Of course, there are some more terrifying than others, and there are plenty of games from years back to upcoming games that have brought in disturbing, terrifying content that had players on edge.
OXIDE Room 104 (2022)
There are a lot of horror trailers that use tension, gore, and certain interactions to cause players to feel uneasy yet intrigued by the trailer they are watching. Games such as OXIDE room 104 can really make players curious and feel on edge.
The trailer shows a brief and horrific look into the game where the players wake up in a motel, naked, wounded, and chained to a bathtub. From the short example, audiences get to see the small yet gory moments that the game will feature, and it has plenty of blood, torture, and a creepy man whose voice is extremely unsettling. While some may have been more entertained than horrified, it received plenty of attention from players who were both disturbed and excited about the game's release.
Bloodborne (2015)
Action RPGs are extremely popular among players, especially with horror added to the mix. One such game with those traits covered and more is Bloodborne.
Bloodborne's trailer introduced players into the dark world they would soon enter. Its eerie atmosphere added tension and intrigue, as well as small glimpses of the grotesque and well-detailed creatures, weapons, and fighting the game would have ready for players. It not only got the attention of many players but also became a huge success with Playstation console owners, who would later take on some of the most horrifying bosses Bloodborne had lined up for them.
MADiSON (2022)
As with any good game, a good trailer is needed to build up an audience, and when it comes to psychological horror, the better the trailer, the better the chances are of people picking up the game. Such is the case with the psychological horror game MADiSON.
MADiSON had plenty of good jumpscares and unsettling moments players experienced during the game, and the trailer did an excellent job of showing terrifying the game would be. The trailer used certain camera motions, lighting, and a good jump scare that had a lot of players interested in the game. It ended up pleasing a lot of players who put their faith into the trailer they had viewed.
Visage (2018)
Many Indie games have started campaigns to help get the project up and running. Visage was one of the games that not only caught the attention of backers and future players but ended up being a huge success.
The game Visage provided players with a horrifying experience with plenty of disturbing moments in a house that changed slowly around the player. It landed plenty of great reviews, and part of its success can be attributed to the equally disturbing trailer that gained it a larger following. The trailer showed off a tense and eerie atmosphere that slowly built up during the trailer's running time alongside the scary imagery of the entities the player would encounter.
Dead Space 2 (2011)
The Dead Space franchise is popular among horror fans that took to the USG Ishimura, where nightmarish creatures lurked in the darkness. Due to the franchise's success, there is a remake of the first game, considered one of the most anticipated upcoming horror games. But it wasn't just the first game that caught players' attention. The second game also received a lot of attention as soon as its trailer was released.
Dead Space 2's trailer brought back the classic mind trip that the first game's trailer had, but this time showed players a brief look into the trauma of what Issac had to deal with after the first game. The whispering of his dead lover, the Marker, and the appearance of every Neomorph left plenty of viewers with chills and excitement after watching it.
Carnival Hunt (TBA)
While some may not like the idea of more multiplayer horror games, there have recently been new trailers showcasing great gameplay, settings, and a brief look into the gameplay. Certain elements, such as the game's environment, can also add an extra level of discomfort.
One environment that some may find themselves uncomfortable in is at a carnival, especially when clowns are involved. While the trailer of Carnival Hunt has no clowns, its carnival master is scary enough. The trailer shows a grotesque scene of a carnival where monsters have taken over, and the wind-up bunnies are being hunted down. The rush of energy and horrific scenes showing the monster's detail, along with its sickening sounds, has intrigued plenty of players now waiting for a release date.
Hellseed Chapter 1 (TBA)
As one of the horror games that have yet to come out or receive a release date, Hellseed Chapter 1 has become a game of interest. Its trailer has made many people ask about a release date, and its scary imagery is one of the biggest reasons why that is, alongside its demo.
Hellseed Chapter 1's trailer did a number on those who saw it. The showcasing of its tension, whispering, camera movements, and jumpscares caught the attention of players and prominent YouTubers alike, prompting plenty of them to go to the Steam page to try out the demo.
Resident Evil 7 (2017)
The Resident Evil games are known for their terrifying and intense gameplay and unique storyline that has garnered the franchise a large following. One of the hardest Resident Evil games, which is also a fan favorite, had a terrifying trailer and game demo that had players hooked.
The trailer for Resident Evil 7 had everything a RE fan could ever want; the creepy and intense atmosphere, a look into the gameplay, and the characters that would play a role. The visuals and dialogue brought a sense of unease and some slight humor to break up the tension. Needless to say, the trailer was not only a hit with fans but so was the game.
Outlast (2014)
Not every horror game will strike fear into the hearts of those who play them. However, there is always something that will cause players to jump. One game that is recommended to players who consider themselves fearless is the horror game Outlast. But beforehand, the trailer that had many on edge should be watched.
The Outlast trailer gave players a brief look into the story, but a better look into some horrors players would witness. The trailer would bring in that tense and dark atmosphere, a glimpse into Mount Massive Asylum, and some of the variants who want to tear the player apart. The run and hide sneak peek, added with some gory moments, added more to the already intense look into the horror players would encounter.
The Callisto Protocol (Dec 2, 2022)
Taking inspiration from other games can be a great thing, especially when it comes to horror games. One game that has taken inspiration from Dead Space and already has people counting down the days until its release due to its trailer is The Callisto Protocol.
The trailer for The Callisto Protocol is a gory, gritty, and dark experience. The graphics shown have astounded viewers, and the horrifying content displayed through the brief trailer has terrified, disturbed, disgusted, and dumbfounded many viewers who are now waiting for the game's release after witnessing the body horror in the short trailer.