Last month, we witnessed the annual gaming announcement extravaganza that is The Summer Games Fest. The week-long event featured showcases from Xbox, The Future Games Show, Ubisoft and more.
During these presentations, there were plenty of horror game announcements and trailers. So, let’s take a look into every horror game announcement at the 2023 Summer Games Fest.
Layers of Fear
First up is Layers of Fear, which actually already released on June 15th. Layers of Fear is a narrative psychedelic horror series which explores the troubled lives and minds of artists.
The newest entry is a next-generation remake of the first 2 Layers of Fear games, bundled with all of its DLC. On top of that, it includes a brand-new chapter set in a Lighthouse, spookily showcased in the trailer below.
Alan Wake II
One of my favourite moments of the Summer Games Fest was the extended look at Alan Wake 2’s gameplay. The developers revealed the second playable character – FBI agent Saga – and the trailer illustrated some combat between Saga and a cultist.
The presentation also revealed that players can swap back and forth between Alan and Saga at various points in the game. This offers differing gameplay paths that will change your experience of the story.
Alan Wake 2 is the upcoming sequel to the 2012 cult classic, and is set to release October 17th.
Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle
Sticking with the 3rd person survival horror genre, we saw a trailer for Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle.
Very much in the vein of Resident Evil, you play as special agent Dalia Reyes who must traverse through a dangerous experimental research lab.
One of the main features that was showcased is the ‘Frost Grip’, a fun and powerful liquid nitrogen weapon. For fans of the original Daymare: 1998, this prequel is definitely worth keeping your eye on.
MADiSON VR
The award for the creepiest trailer surely goes to MADiSON VR. This VR version of the 2022 psychological horror game looks absolutely petrifying.
For those unaware, MADiSON is a demonic entity that has entrapped the protagonist and forces him to finish a brutal ritual. Seeing how the original game was praised for how scary it was, VR should amplify the horror elements to the next level.
Dead by Daylight: Nicolas Cage
On an odder note, the Summer Games Fest also showed us some of the first gameplay for Nicolas Cage’s peculiar appearance in Dead by Daylight. It was interesting to see Cage on stage discussing how this collaboration originated and his motivations for branching into the video game world.
Cage’s character released to the live game on July 25th with some pretty unique perks.
Still Wakes The Deep
Whilst the Xbox presentation was primarily focused on showing off Starfield, they still had time for one new horror announcement. Still Wakes The Deep is an upcoming narrative horror set on a Scottish oil rig.
Without weapons, you must try to save your fellow crew members whilst evading the nightmarish creature that has come aboard.
I would definitely look out for this one, as it is from the veteran horror developers at the Chinese Room, creators of Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando
I’m not too sure if this one really counts as a horror, but let’s try anyways. It’s been a while since a co-op zombie-killing simulator has released, and John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is looking to fill that gap.
Very much inspired by Left 4 Dead and Back 4 Blood, this game combines over-the-top chaos with 80s nostalgia. Plus, it expands upon the traditional formula by adding driving mechanics and car combat!
Macabre
Next is Macabre, a co-op stealth extraction horror game. Each mission, you and your friends will explore a randomised map to solve puzzles and stealth around deadly interdimensional creatures.
Once you find new gear and equipment, now it’s time to escape. Similar to Escape From Tarkov or Dark and Darker, you will lose anything you find if you don’t make it out.
Definitely keep an eye on Macabre, and if you want more details, the developers release weekly dev updates for those interested!
Luto
Luto is a game where you find yourself trapped inside your own house, and you are trying to find an escape route. This psychological narrative horror sees the player exploring anxiety, grief and depression, and will certainly test your senses. If you are too excited to wait for the full release, there is a demo available on Steam right now!
Reveil
Another psychological horror is Reveil, where the protagonist wakes up and finds that his wife and daughter are missing. Strangely enough, you can only remember your life at the circus, and so must explore your past memories. This game has amazing visuals and a mysterious story that I’m super excited to dive into.
Deceit 2
And finally, if you were ever looking to play a horror version of Among Us, we have the perfect game for you. Deceit 2 is a social deduction horror game. The innocent players must try to escape from a ritual, whilst 2 infected players plot against them to slow their progress and thin their numbers.
It’s releasing pretty soon on 31st August, so make sure to practice your gaslighting skills before then.
As always, this year’s Summer Games Fest did not disappoint. I’m glad that there were plenty of brand-new horror game announcements! Personally, I’m hyped for Alan Wake II, Still Wakes The Deep and Macabre. If there were any games that caught your attention, definitely go check them out on social media or your preferred gaming platform!
