Game Development: I Built a Game Empire

Looking at everyone's expressions, Chen Xu could more or less guess what they were thinking.

In fact, as a horror game, the positioning is indeed very awkward.

Because this type of game is really difficult to play.

It doesn’t matter how high the cost is.

In fact, horror games require relatively low-cost games.

Because of this, many small companies and independent game designers choose to produce horror games.

But the same horror game is a type of game that requires a very skilled producer.

So in most cases, these game designers and small and medium-sized companies produce horror games.

They are all relatively shoddy game types.

But large companies will basically not be involved in the field of horror games.

Mainly for one reason.

That's the size of the market.

Compared with traditional popular game types such as FPS and RPG.

The horror game landscape is much smaller, and it's difficult to become a mainstream game genre.

The investment cost is too high and it is difficult to recover the cost.

The investment cost is too small. How to design the game and make a good horror game is another science.

It's thankless to make a small fuss. If the investment cost is high, it is better to make RPG and FPS games.

And from the review point of view, horror games will basically be classified as an adult level after review.

This further compresses the game’s market share.

At the same time, it seems that horror games are a genre that is very suitable for VR mode.

But the reality is exactly the opposite.

The performance of most horror game VR platforms is even worse than that of the PC platform.

The main point is that the immersive experience of the VR platform is too strong.

Among them, jumpscare (jump scare) commonly used in horror games will give players a kind of physiological stimulation that is difficult to adapt to.

But a mode of jumpscare is also a necessary method in horror games or movies.

For example, if you look at the picture, a long-legged girl is walking towards you. Just when you feel extremely curious and want to get closer, she turns into an old witch with a bloody face and a hideous face.

This is standard jumpscare.

Although it may be considered as useless, it is undeniable that jumpscare is a very classic and effective method in games that bring fear to players.

Of course, ordinary horror games abuse this technique, which is only the most low-level mode.

A truly great horror game would rather combine this mode with psychological horror.

Fear comes from the unknown, and real fear is a state that allows players to feel oppressive all the time.

For the horror game of the game, how to use jumpscare to allow players to scare themselves during the game is the core point, and it is also the most difficult point for horror games.

In the office, Chen Xu explained to everyone the points that need to be paid attention to in horror games.

"In fact, I don’t have enough time, otherwise I would like to take you on a field trip. I heard that a mental hospital in Jinling was abandoned and moved to a new hospital. It just so happens that the setting of"Escape" is also a mental hospital."

"Originally, I wanted to take everyone to experience the atmosphere on the ground at night."Chen Xu looked at everyone and said with emotion.

Hearing Chen Xu's words, Chen Qingzhu, Zhao Shan and others opened their eyes wide.

They did not speak, but they could make people feel the emotions they wanted to express.

That is: Chen Just be a human being!

Go to an abandoned mental hospital at night?

"Don't be sorry, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future."Chen Xu pretended to notice everyone's expressions and joked.

Everyone was speechless for a moment.

Who is sorry!

"Of course, how to create the atmosphere of a horror game is mainly led by me this time in"Escape", but you should also learn as much as possible."Chen Xu said while looking at the crowd.

When Chen Xu mentioned the matter of game developers, everyone's expressions became serious.

"In addition, you can take a look at these horror films to find inspiration for creating a scary environment."Chen Xu reported the names of several movies to everyone.

Qin Yi asked curiously:"Mr. Chen, don't we need to play horror games from other manufacturers?"

"No, except for a few horror games from overseas SP game companies which are pretty good, basically none of them are playable. They all fall into the category of abusing jumpscare. There is no point in learning from them."Chen Xu shook his head and said.

Before deciding to make"Escape", Chen Xu also had a little understanding of the horror game genre.

Through his own experience and information, he basically had some understanding.

There was nothing too outstanding. The reason for games, in Chen Xu’s view, is that more capable game designers basically aim at VR and the wider game market. As for the horror game genre, it is considered a neglected one. Branch.

But officially because of this, for some players who like horror games, they are also very eager to have an excellent horror game.

This is also one of the main reasons why Chen Xu decided to make"Escape". An excellent horror game in itself , it can be said that just like the game"Digging Up", it has a good live broadcast effect. You can use live broadcast and video platforms to quickly spread and ferment the popularity.

After all, there are many players who dare not play horror games themselves, but But I also like to watch others play.

And for many horror games, watching and playing are two different experiences.

Players who think this is the horror game and then buy it to play themselves are not non-existent.

Although there is a high probability that they will be frightened directly I dare not play it.

But this can promote the popularity of the game.

This is still very important.

The previous"Escape" series has sold more than 15 million copies, which has a lot to do with the spread of popularity.

Of course, it is excellent in itself. Quality is the cornerstone of everything.

After a few simple words, Chen Xu began to explain the core elements of"Escape" to everyone.

First of all, just like the name of the game, the player plays the role of an unarmed reporter, facing various terrifying scenes When the time comes, there is only one choice: escape.

The second is a setting of the camera in the game. Unlike the nuclear flashlight that never turns off in traditional games, the night vision function of the camera used by reporters in"Escape" is essential for understanding dark scenes. mode.

Unlike the nuclear flashlight, turning on the night vision mode requires battery consumption.

The player's battery is limited, so this forms a driving point.

In addition, the plot and rhythm of the game are all controlled by Chen Xu dissected it bit by bit for everyone.