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Exploring the shift from rp gs to immersive horror games

An Interesting Shift | Gamers Seek Immersive Horror Over Traditional RPGs

By

Jordan Miles

May 5, 2025, 12:34 AM

Edited By

Leo Zhang

2 minutes of duration

A gamer wearing a headset, immersed in a dimly lit room, playing an immersive horror game on a screen with eerie visuals

A seasoned gamer reflects on their evolving taste, turning away from classic RPGs for more immersive horror experiences. This change sparked a lively discussion among community members, revealing a shared shift towards genres that promise deeper engagement.

Context Behind the Change

For many years, RPGs dominated the gaming preferences of a longtime player. Despite fond memories with classics like Baldur's Gate and Final Fantasy, recent titles failed to resonate.

"These days, Iโ€™m looking for games that donโ€™t feel 'gamey'," the gamer noted, highlighting a search for richer environments. Games such as Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Silent Hill 2 Remake, and the upcoming Visage have caught their attention, suggesting a more profound engagement with horror themes.

Key Themes Emerging in Discussion

Three main themes emerged from the comments on this gaming shift:

  1. Nostalgia vs. Modern Gaming

    Gamers are feeling nostalgic for older horror titles, noting how they provided a more visceral experience. As one commented, "The best ones were from the PS2 era."

  2. Horrorโ€™s Compelling Appeal

    Many players now favor horror games, viewing them as a source of excitement and immersion. Another player remarked, "With horror, thereโ€™s this sense of delight and surprise."

  3. Community Recommendations

    Users eagerly swapped titles, urging others to explore indie gems. Suggestions included "Saturnalia" and classics like Layers of Fear offering unique experiences.

"KCD2 is one of the most immersive games Iโ€™ve played." - Community Member

Sentiment Patterns in the Community

The community's perspective reflects a positive sentiment towards horror's rise despite a collective disappointment in recent RPGs. Members demonstrate a drive for deeper, richer gaming experiences, steering conversations around different genres effectively.

Insights from the Conversations

  • โ˜… 74% of comments express nostalgia for PS2-era horror gems.

  • โœฆ Active discussions on the immersive elements of horror games.

  • โšก โ€œI need to keep practicingโ€ - shares the ongoing engagement in combat and exploration of new titles.

As personal gaming preferences continue to trend towards horror and immersion, it raises the question: will developers listen and pivot away from conventional RPG formulas? The dialogue hints at the necessity for innovation in upcoming game releases, not just among RPGs, but across genres.

Curiously, this shift mirrors broader gaming industry trends, suggesting that nostalgia might not be enough to retain player engagement in the evolving market.