Gaming’s biggest horror series are more vital than ever

If you play horror games, the two most influential series are now releasing new, experimental titles and seeing massive success.

Gaming's premier horror franchises, Resident Evil and Silent Hill, are experiencing a significant resurgence. Resident Evil's revival began with Resident Evil 7 nearly a decade ago, employing a successful strategy of alternating between classic remakes like Resident Evil 4 and new titles such as Village and Requiem. This approach has allowed for experimentation, with Requiem blending action and first-person terror. The franchise has also seen recent success in film, with a new reboot, also titled Resident Evil, achieving the best box office opening in its history by centering its narrative on a relatable, less skilled protagonist. Silent Hill, after a period of dormancy following the cancellation of Kojima's Silent Hills, has also made a strong comeback. Konami announced a return for the series in 2022, with the Silent Hill 2 remake introducing the beloved title to a new audience and Silent Hill F offering a fresh, RPG-infused experience. The latest installment, Silent Hill: Townfall, developed by indie studio Screen Burn, is now available on PS5 and PC. It places players in a desolate Scottish town, tasking them with uncovering its dark history while evading monstrous creatures through stealth and exploration, drawing parallels to walking simulators and games like Alien: Isolation.

The dual resurgence of Resident Evil and Silent Hill indicates a renewed market appetite for high-quality, varied horror gaming experiences. Capcom's consistent output and Konami's strategic re-engagement with Silent Hill suggest a confidence in the genre's profitability and a willingness to invest in its flagship titles. This success is driven by both faithful remakes appealing to long-time fans and innovative new entries that broaden the franchises' reach to new players, demonstrating effective franchise management.

This revitalized era for horror gaming, exemplified by these two giants, signals an opportunity for both established developers and indie studios to explore niche horror subgenres and mechanics. The success of Resident Evil's player-centric film adaptation also suggests a growing trend of meta-commentary and audience-aware storytelling within horror media. As both franchises push boundaries in gameplay and narrative, expect increased experimentation across the survival horror landscape.