If you’ve followed me on Twitter, you’ll know that I’m an absolute sucker for space stations stalked by Xenomorphs, dilapidated house patrolled by an angry father and even asylums overrun by crazy inmates. Some of my favourite games have been birthed within the horror genre, so it’ll come as no surprise that I’m always looking forward to the next scare, so I thought I’d compile a list of upcoming horror games and share them, in case they’re not on your radar. Here goes!
SCORN
Scorn is an upcoming first-person survival horror game being developed by Ebb Software. You can see the influence in this one from H.R.Giger, and personally it gives me big Prometheus vibes. It’s been reported that Scorn will take you around 6-8 hours to complete, which sounds about right for the size and scope of an experience like this is aiming to give you.
Sadly, it seems there won’t be a photo-mode included, which is a shame because if this looks as gorgeous at launch as it does in previews, we’re in for a treat. It’s been designed around the idea of “throwing you into the world.”
This looks like an absolute treat for horror fans such as myself, and will be with us on the 21st of October 2022, and yes it’s included day one with an Xbox Game Pass Subscription.
(Developer: Ebb Software. Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC. Xbox Game Pass: Yes)
THE DARK PICTURES: THE DEVIL IN ME
In my opinion, SuperMassive Games have been smashing it out of the park with their anthology series, appropriately titled; “the Dark Pictures.” The Devil in Me will be the fourth installment in the narrative-horror franchise. If you’ve played any of the previous entries you’ll know what to expect, aside from the scares.
The Dark Pictures: The Devil In Me will be ruining underwear on the 18th November, 2022.
The Dark Pictures: The Devil In Me Gameplay
(Developer: Super Massive Games. Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC. Xbox Game Pass: No)
THE CALLISTO PROTOCOL
Ah, Callisto. Jupiter’s moon. That’s where Dead Space co-creator, Glen Schofield has decided to take us this time. To a prison, to be precise and it seems like the environment will play a somewhat significant role here. All the blood, gore, dismemberment and mutilation you’d come to expect from a Dead Space game, will soon be available to you when Callisto drops on 2nd December 2022.
I know I’ll be booking time off work for this one. Not to play it, but for the mental recovery needed afterwards. Safe to say, I cannot wait for The Callisto Protocol.
The Callisto Protocol Gameplay
(Developer: Striking Distance. Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC. Xbox Game Pass: No)
THE OUTLAST TRIALS
A third installment into the highly praised Outlast franchise is upon us. Murkoff are back (or, being shown for the first time since this is a prequel to the original Outlast). The Trials will put us in the era of the Cold War where Murkoff have human guinea pigs to experiment on, us!
This time around, you’ll be able to shit your pants with up to three friends in online co-op. This, I’m skeptical about however, the trials can still be faced solo if playing with friends isn’t for you or you’re worried it’ll hinder the Outlast experience you’ve come to love.
Slated for a 2022 launch, The Red Barrels have been awfully quiet up until Gamescom 2022, where they dropped a new trailer and a beta which will run from October 28th to 1st November, with no sign of a release date in sight annoyingly. Maybe they’ll spring it on us right after the beta, who knows, for now, it’s the waiting game.
(Developer: The Red Barrels. Platforms: TBC. Xbox Game Pass: No)
2022 HONORABLE MENTIONS
We’ve also got the long awaited with little excitement Re:Verse. Yet another attempt at a multiplayer take on the Resident Evil formula, lets hope this one fairs better. Speaking of Resident Evil, the DLC for RE:Village will be launching on October 28th 2022. You’ll get new Mercenaries content, a third person mode for Ethan in the main campaign and a new Shadows Of Rose story, playing as Ethan’s daughter 16 years after Village.
Even More Goodness Awaits in 2023
DEAD SPACE REMAKE
The Dead Space name, once carried by Visceral Studios (RIP) is now being handed to Motive Studios. Re-Imagining the original game for next-gen consoles. They’re upgrading the visuals, the environments, the necromorphs and yes, Isaac, too!
It will be interesting to see the discourse surrounding this and Callisto once they’re both out in the wild. The Dead Space Remake will be with us just over a month later on January 27th, 2023.
(Developer: Motive Studios. Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC. Xbox Game Pass: N0)
RESIDENT EVIL 4 REMAKE
Horror is back baby, and in my opinion partly due to Capcom’s success with their Resident Evil mainline continuation and their remakes, so why stop with 2&3 when you can keep going and remake the next and sometimes most highly regarded game in the series, Resident Evil 4.
It doesn’t matter that this game has launched on every console and toaster ever at this point, it’s launching again on March 24th, 2023 and if Capcom’s recent track record is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat.
Resident Evil 4 Remake Trailer
(Developer: Capcom. Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC. Xbox Game Pass: No)
DEAD ISLAND 2
The long overdue sequel to Dead Island has been through development hell. After changing developers multiple times, it seems we’re finally going to be getting our hands on this early 2023. Featuring 3 player co-op with a choice of six different characters to slaughter and loot with around “HELL-A.”
Hopefully all this time in the oven pays off and its a fun zombie killing playground with friends. Launching February 2nd, 2023.
(Developer: Dambuster Studios. Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS5, PC. Xbox Game Pass: N0)
LAYERS OF FEARS
Bloober Team are seemingly the same as Marmite. You either love ’em, or hate ’em. Some people such as myself adore their work whilst others tend to steer clear. I definitely as always recommend trying one of their games before making a judgment but if you’re like me, you might be pleasantly surprised.
This third installment seemingly will take us back to those creepy hand painted hallways from the original Layers of Fear and as someone who loves the series, I’m looking forward to re-tracing old steps. Launch date TBA 2023.
(Developer: Bloober Team. Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC. Xbox Game Pass: N0)
ROUTINE
Resurfacing during the Summer Games Fest a decade after an initial announcement, Routine looks to be a very good time exploring an abandoned Lunar base, in space whilst using tools and avoiding enemies. I’ll always welcome more sci-fi horror games. Not much else is known about this one, not even a release date but this will be launching day one with Xbox Game Pass.
(Developer: Lunar Software. Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC. Xbox Game Pass: Yes)
THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE
We’ve seen Dead By Daylight grow, Friday the 13th attempt it, Evil Dead: The Game attempt it and now Texas Chainsaw Massacre wants to throw its hat into the ring. A multiplayer horror game set in the TCM universe seems promising, although I’m skeptical something like this won’t have the staying power of something like DBD, where they can expand and use different licences from other franchises.
We’ve seen this when DBD adds stuff like Michael Myers, Saw, etc whilst Friday the 13th is stuck solely with Jason. Difference here will be the 3v4 asymmetrical setup, pitting 4 survivors against 3 killers. Time will tell to see if SUMO Digital can do Leatherface justice, no release date as of yet but it is confirmed to be day one with Xbox Game Pass.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre Gameplay Trailer
(Developer: SUMO Digital. Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC. Xbox Game Pass: Yes)
SLITTERHEAD
I can’t even tell you a plot, or even much about this one at all. We do know it’s being lead by Silent Hill creator; Keiichiro Toyama. Whilst not being totally focused on horror they’ve said, from the little we have seen it’s full of grotesque monsters, that’s horror enough for me. Keen to see more of this one, that’s for sure.
(Developer: Bokeh Games Studio. Platforms: PC, TBC. Xbox Game Pass: No)
ILL
Details for this one are very sparce, although it seems like the developers want to go for the most realistic approach possible here. Being developed on Unreal Engine 5, I’m certain this is going to be a stunner and I can’t wait to see some more and get a big info dump on this one. It looks horrific and I’m here for it.
(Developer: Team Clout. Platforms: TBC. Xbox Game Pass: TBC)
ALONE IN THE DARK
With everyone seemingly wanting to get involved with this horror resurgence in video games, along comes Alone In The Dark. Return to the roots of psychological horror as you explore Dercerto Manor. Seems like more of a focus on combat and looks visually quite impressive. Another horror game, another one I’m impatiently waiting on more information for. No release date as of yet.
(Developer: Pieces Interactive. Platforms: TBC. Xbox Game Pass: TBC)
HORROR IS BACK
Exciting times ahead for horror fan, plenty to look forward to on top of whatever else is coming for the horror genre that is currently in development but yet to be announced. It’s a good time to be a gamer, it’s a good time to be a horror fan. It’s an amazing time to be both!