Abstract
This paper, using the power of Unreal Engine 5, discusses concepts on how developers can make their horror games scary. Using many examples from other games, the paper examines the meaning of certain mechanics and decisions in horror games to create a full and scary experience. Some of these include player agency, death and penalties, chases, and various environmental, audio, and storytelling decisions. Included with this paper is discussion on the implementation of some of these concepts in a short video game project named The Witch Papers, a Lovecraftian inspired horror game. To support the concepts discussed and in the project, various screenshots of video games, code, and project gameplay show snippets of concepts written.
Advisor
Nord, Alex
Department
Computer Science
Recommended Citation
Ferrel, Trenton, "Designing Horror in Video Games" (2026). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 13177.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/13177
Disciplines
Computer Sciences
Publication Date
2026
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
External Link
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2FtferrelCOW%2FWitchPapersISProject&data=05%7C02%7Ckgable%40wooster.edu%7C3d40a736dfe244ca478708def9729c8a%7C9ef017d97f0542259838f92cff57b7ab%7C0%7C0%7C639222467813867121%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=58kRDYUl1VxAAYHDuWczn%2Ff4BbGA2A5FJXa5HRh9DBI%3D&reserved=0
© Copyright 2026 Trenton Ferrel