We present a new section in Flat Reality Blog - "Include". In this column, our writers, who are members of the FR team, will be covering underrepresented gamer-focused topics in the indie gaming industry. We will also highlight the importance of inclusion, diversity and accessibility for all.
Today I, a game designer at The Nick, will talk about a rare genre of video games that is not so easy to find information about on the Internet - Meta horror.
Screenshot from IMSCARED
Games that break the barrier
Meta horror is a subgenre of horror games, the key difference of which is “breaking the 4th wall”. This is a technique where the game understands that it is a game, and the narrative goes directly to the player, and not to his in-game character. And she will break the usual gaming framework, the clichés of the horror genre, she will expose and ridicule in order to really play with you. provide you with a unique experience, and also often give you the opportunity to think about the deeper meaning, various metaphorical topics.
This will differentiate meta-horror from classic horror and other video games in general. It is unpredictable and does not conform to standard game narrative patterns.
I first became acquainted with this genre in the indie game IMSCARED, which will be discussed below. It was developed in 2012 and received many enthusiastic reviews for its innovativeness and metaphorical nature. One of the key features of IMSCARED is the use of meta elements to influence the player beyond the screen. For example, the game can create files on the player's desktop, send messages, and even change the game itself to create an atmosphere of real horror - it's not just a game. It's about you. And they want to play with you.
Screenshor from IMSCARED
Significant contribution to the industry
We have an interesting phenomenon with meta-horror. There are not as many of them as, for example, match three games, but many of them are a real historical legacy in the gaming industry. The best part is that this genre has immortalized both indie games, whose creators were not afraid to experiment with genres, and rare AAA projects that in a certain way influenced the horror genre as a whole.
Let's take a look at them!
1.Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
This is one of the iconic meta-horror games, as well as the standard of psychological horror that set the bar for genres.
"Welcome to the world of sinister poetry!" - a line that opens the official description of the game. It's a not-too-long story-driven game that starts out as a visual novel that sets boundaries that the player can't seem to go beyond. No matter how it is! After a short time, the game turns into a completely new experience, aimed at communicating with the player in an eerie transformation.
Screenshort from Doki Doki Literature Club! Plus
2. Inscryption
Another demonic game on our list! This time you, playing as yourself, find yourself locked in a hut where you are left forced to play a card game. But, of course, everything is not limited to cards. I won't spoil it! Your main goal is to escape. Just(?) run away.
Screenshort from Inscryption
3. IMSCARED
Of the entire list of indie games in this genre, IMSCARED is my favorite. This game is quite simple and has no plot, no gameplay, nothing. But it does have the ability to create files on your desktop. In this game you have to play with White Face... More precisely, he has to play with you. The program behaves like a computer virus, so be prepared for a wide variety of gaming situations that go beyond the game window. The final goal is not so obvious, but the path to it will provide you with the most interesting adventure with the most unexpected actions!
Screenshort from IMSCARED
4. The Nick
This is a game developed by us, Flat Reality! We are making this game completely canonical to the meta-horror genre.
Welcome to the creepy mansion! Your main goal is to get out of here. You play as a boy, Nick, who wanders around a huge estate and uncovers its secrets. But everything is so simple and obvious. The game seems to be interested not in Nick... but in you. At first, The Nick demonstrates itself as a comic parody of pixel horror from the 90s, but then it reveals new extraordinary worlds and completely breaks the boundaries of the usual gameplay. This is one of the most experimental games in this genre, the release of Chapter 1 will take place in 2024!
You can follow the development by visiting the official website: thenick.flatreality.ru.
Screenshort from The Nick
Now we have met unique indie projects that completely represent themselves in meta-horror. However, not only independent studios, but also large AAA projects experimented with this genre. Unlike indies, they, of course, could hardly afford to make a game completely according to all the canons of the meta, but they used many elements for their horror games to diversify the gameplay. Such games will now be discussed further.
5. Silent Hill 2
A classic horror film with a meta twist, it is known for its deep plotting, delving into psychological horror, and using metaphorical elements to convey themes of characters' inner fears and conflicts.
6. Alan Wake
The game is known for its use of metatext, where the player controls a writer whose creations begin to become reality. This creates the feeling that the player himself becomes part of the plot.
4. The Stanley Parable
An unusual game that plays with metafiction and player choice. It offers different endings and a journey through multiple parallel realities, which makes the gameplay unique and unexpected.
By the way, some games, even in other genres, sometimes contain elements of meta-horror, and this is fascinating from the unexpected. For example, take a look at UNDERTALE - this game understands that it is a game and at some point begins to appeal to the player himself. This is definitely not what a player who plays a harmless RPG would expect.
Screenshort from UNDERTALE
Metaphorical games development
I am a game designer for The Nick. which was discussed above. And I want to point out that such games can appeal not only to passionate gamers who are “tired” of the horror genre. The right combination of game design elements will allow adventurers and casual players who are new to horror and gaming in general to enjoy the experience. In order to provide players with the best experience, I needed to first establish and teach them the "internal laws of the game" that no one seems to be able to go beyond. However, then the whole game will be broken and completely changed. To express myself without spoilers, I will simply say that she will look completely different!
This genre is a real testing ground for experiments, which few have touched yet. It's great to see how indie developers risk everything to create innovative projects and put their soul into it.
Screenshort from The Nick
Health and wellness
⚠️Games in this genre can cause horror, melancholy and other unpleasant emotions. Meta-horror films are not recommended for children, pregnant women, or people suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts. Moreover, such games often contain jump scares, bright and sharp flashes of light, and loud sounds, which may not be suitable for players with epilepsy. If you have a history of epileptic seizures, consult your doctor before playing.
The meta-horror genre is a subgenre of horror that actively plays with metafiction, metaphor, and metatext. The genre is known for its ability to break down the boundaries between reality and fiction, creating an atmosphere of unpredictability and instability. Thanks for reading and see you in the next episode of Flat Reality Include!