Why October is Ironically Both Good and Bad for Gaming’s Spooky Season

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Why October is Ironically Both Good and Bad for Gaming's Spooky Season

As a horror gaming fan with a rich history of experiencing the evolution of this genre, I’m both excited and apprehensive about October 2024. The upcoming month is poised to be another hotbed for horror video games, which is fantastic news for fans like me. However, the potential downside lies in the sheer number of releases within a short time frame, making each game stand out among the crowd and secure enough attention and sales.

Back in 1972, the first horror video game saw the light of day alongside the Magnavox Odyssey console. Since then, this genre has been a significant part of gaming history. It started with simple haunted house games and text-based adventures, and has since developed into more complex third-person survival horrors and action titles. To this day, some of the most critically acclaimed games fall under the horror category.

During the autumnal months leading up to Halloween at the end of the year, October is colloquially known as “Spooky Season” due to the holiday’s spooky and eerie theme. Many avid gamers embrace this time by delving into some of the most chilling recent releases in the horror genre. However, paradoxically, October is both an auspicious and turbulent period for the horror gaming industry, and the upcoming Halloween Season of 2024 is expected to follow suit with this trend.

October Is a Double-Edged Sword for Horror Video Games

October Has Always Been a Busy Month for Horror Games

In the Western world, October is strongly associated with Halloween and horror themes. Consequently, numerous publishers and game developers choose to launch their horror titles during this month or close to it. For instance, in 2022, “Scorn,” “Signalis,” and the “Resident Evil Village” Winters Expansion were all debuted in October. Previously, “Alan Wake 2” and “Lethal Company” were released within a short time frame of each other during the same month.

As a horror gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled that October has become a month filled with terrifying releases. The abundance of horror games during this spooky season is a delight since it means there’s more for us fans to explore and enjoy. However, the concentration of multiple horror games in such a short time frame could potentially harm these games instead of helping them. Despite their unique differences in gameplay, story, and aesthetics, being part of the same horror genre can make them seem less distinct and individual in the public eye. This lack of distinction might result in decreased attention from audiences, which ultimately affects sales.

October 2024 Looks to be Another Hotbed for Horror

Based on the current plans, it appears that October 2024 will be a significant month for horror video game enthusiasts with several highly-anticipated releases. Specifically, the remake of Silent Hill 2 is scheduled to debut on October 1st, and Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred follows closely behind on the same day. There are also whispers that Until Dawn remake could arrive in October, and there are rumors suggesting that The Casting of Frank Stone, a new spinoff from Supermassive Games, might also be released around the same time. This collection of horror games would certainly make for an exhilarating month for fans. However, it’s important to note that having so many high-profile releases in such a short timeframe could potentially diminish the individual impact each game deserves.

If “Until Dawn” and “The Casting of Frank Stone” fail to debut in October, “Silent Hill 2 Remake” will still encounter some formidable horror competition. In September, the long-anticipated “STALKER 2” is slated for release on PC and consoles, while “Slitterhead” is scheduled for an early November launch. Consequently, the 2024 Halloween season promises to be a bustling period for horror enthusiasts, with ample opportunities for each game to make its mark.

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2024-07-13 21:03