Why Do People Enjoy Playing Horror-Themed Video Games And Online Slots?
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As the nights get darker, gamers might want to swap the upbeat games dominating the industry for something a little more sinister. It’s only natural: games are a form of escapism, but they’re also a way of expressing our interests, and for most people, once September 1st hits, all they can think about is Halloween.
It’s not always easy to find these games, however. For instance, mainstream video games like Mario Kart and some of the best online bingo games, such as Rainbow Riches, Slingo Big Wheel and Fishin’ Frenzy, tend to favour vibrant characters and colourful reel symbols. They’re upbeat games with bonus features: not exactly something you want to play on a rainy night.
Fortunately, there are video games, online bingo slots and regular slots, like the Ooh Aah Dracula slot, that cater to this audience.
But why, in the first place, do people desire to play horror games? In this article, we’re going to explore the psychology behind this genre.
Why Do We Actively Seek Out Horror Games?
All games take players on a rollercoaster of emotions. Beating your friends in Mario Kart produces feelings of triumph while hitting the jackpot on an online bingo slot releases doses of serotonin.
Horror games are similar in the sense that when we are frightened, our fight-or-flight response activates as we experience feelings of tension and anticipation, ultimately giving us a rush of adrenaline.
Similarly, horror games also release dopamine. After we experience that first rush of adrenaline and then successfully escape the perceived danger, dopamine is released to relax our muscles and relieve tension. For instance, the Resident Evil series boasts several safe rooms where you can avoid the danger coming at you and take a breather to compose yourself.
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Another reason why horror games are so popular is that they give players the chance to flip the script. When you watch a horror movie, you root for the protagonist. However, sometimes, an antagonist comes along that you can’t help but like. One notable example is Negan in The Walking Dead, who went from a violent villain to a fan favourite.
Horror games appeal to these individuals as they let players choose which side they want to be on. We see this done in both video games and online slot games. For instance, the Friday the 13th video game has the option to play as Jason Voorhees, and the Lost Vegas slot game, which has free spins and blackout bonuses, lets players choose between being a survivor or a zombie.
Games are interactive mediums that are becoming more and more realistic over the years. Sometimes this entails characters having lifelike movements or online blackjack games using real-life dealers. The more realistic, the more adrenaline and dopamine players will feel, and this is the case regardless of the genre.
Additionally, games are starting to give players more choices. There are dozens of online slot games, from traditional slots to bingo slots, and in horror games, players can choose which side of the story they want to be on. All of this contributes to the ongoing success of the horror genre within the gaming industry.
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