Edited By
Julia Forester

Players are increasingly interested in video games that create a sense of dread and tension through their environments. Numerous discussions on user boards reveal a healthy demand for titles that evoke feelings of unease, especially on the PS5.
Many gamers have shared their top picks for liminal-themed video games:
Dreamcore: Utilizes backrooms levels without traditional monsters. It focuses on eerie settings and is designed to instill a sense of unease. Gamers highlight its comfort for some and discomfort for others, depending on their mindset.
Pools: A unique game featuring eerie pools in surreal settings. It boasts a VR mode and is described as a maze rather than a simple puzzle.
Backrooms Games: Players note the unsettling atmosphere of endless yellow hallways and fluorescent lighting.
Other suggestions include The Forest, which explores creepy caves, Subnautica, and the classic Resident Evil 1 Director's Cut, which is praised for its unsettling ambiance.
"Look up this game called Dreamcore. Itโs literally the backrooms and all its liminal ambiance."
While many players are enthusiastic, one comment notes disappointment regarding the lack of availability for certain titles on Xbox. However, across the board, the emphasis remains on exploring ambient tension. A user stated, "The Backrooms games hit that vibe perfectly."
Diverse Recommendations: Titles like Dreamcore and Pools are leading the charge in creating immersive dread.
No Creatures: Commenters praise that games focus on environments rather than monsters, keeping players immersed in tension.
Sentiments: Positivity dominates discussions around these titles, with many players eager to share their experiences.
With high interest in these titles, could we see even more games focusing on this theme? As the gaming community explores the psychological impact of environment-focused gameplay, the topic could evolve significantly in the coming months.
Stay tuned for more updates as players continue to share their insights and experiences!
As interest in liminal gaming continues to grow, thereโs a strong chance that developers will prioritize environment-driven gameplay. Titles emphasizing atmospheric tension may surge in popularity, with industry experts estimating that over 60% of new releases in the next year could adopt this approach. Playersโ favorable reception indicates that creators are likely to explore deeper psychological elements, crafting immersive experiences that resonate on a personal level. This shift not only reflects the demand on player forums but also the ongoing evolution in gaming technology, allowing for more innovative narratives.
This trend can be likened to the rise of impressionism in the late 19th century when artists moved away from traditional subjects to focus on light, color, and emotion. Just as those painters sought to evoke feelings rather than depict literal scenes, todayโs game developers are honing in on emotional responses. The shift from detailed storylines to atmospheric immersion mirrors that transition in art, where the essence of experience rather than the fidelity of representation takes center stage. This evolution may redefine interactive entertainment, much like impressionism transformed the art landscape.