The primal emotion of fear. It's a powerful emotion that serves a critical purpose in human survival. It's essentially an alarm system built into our brains and bodies.
Fear evolved to keep us safe. When we encounter danger, fear triggers a fight-or-flight response. Our bodies release hormones like adrenaline that increase our heart rate, breathing, and blood flow, preparing us to either confront the threat or flee from it.
Some fears are ingrained in us. We're naturally afraid of heights, loud noises, and certain animals because these things posed dangers to our ancestors. These fears can help us avoid situations that could lead to injury or death.
We can also learn to fear things through negative experiences. For example, if you had a bad experience with a dog as a child, it's kind of understandable that, as an adult, you're not overly keen on owning one.
So, if fear equals negative experiences, why on earth do so many of us get our kicks from playing scary games?
It's a fascinating subject, so let's jump in.
What Is It About Scary Keeps That Keep Us Wanting More?
Scary video games offer players a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a protagonist facing terrifying challenges. You see, whether it's navigating a big old haunted house, escaping from bloodthirsty zombies, or uncovering some centuries-old dark mystery, creepy games allow players to walk into a world filled with suspense, tension, and fear.
And it's not just video games; online casinos are getting in the act, too. There are the likes of online casino games which challenge you to save the world from a zombie apocalypse. Then there are vampire-themed slots for fans of Ann Rice or, dare, we say it, Twilight.
We could go on, but, frankly, the list is endless.
However, with casinos, one of the scariest things is the somewhat pitiful upper wager limit set in place. In this case, if you are a serious gambler, a no-limit casino is a perfect option. As writer and gambling expert Sergio Zammit says: "No-limit casinos give you complete freedom to wager as much as you’d like. Whether you’re looking to place small wagers or bet hundreds or thousands of dollars at a time, these sites offer the games and freedom to support you." (Source: https://www.techopedia.com/gambling/no-limit-casinos)
For many of us, fear (wagers aside) can be, well, fun.
The Adrenaline Rush
Similar to watching a horror movie, playing scary games triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline and other hormones associated with excitement and arousal. All those happy hormones dancing away in your cerebrum heightens the senses, which then turns the fear and intensity of the experience right up to 11.
The Challenge of Conquering Fear
As well as that intoxicating adrenaline rush, scary games provide players with a unique opportunity to confront their fears in a safe and controlled environment. By facing terrifying enemies and overcoming daunting obstacles, there's a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. Didn't manage to fall off your gaming car when Lady Dimitrescu made a B-line for you in RE: Village? Mission Accomplished.
The Social Aspect
Scary games often feature multiplayer modes that allow players to share the experience with friends or strangers online. You might be online gaming with teammates to survive a zombie apocalypse. Or you could be competing against rivals in a haunted mansion. Whatever fear-riddled thrill you're on, the social aspect of it adds an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie. Shared screams, laughter, and adrenaline-fueled moments should create some lasting memories and strengthen social bonds among players.
The Evolution of Fear
Virtual reality (VR) technology, in particular, is fast changing the way we interact with scary games. Now we can be in the game, immersed in the action - or terror. VR horror games transport players to nightmarish realms where they must confront their deepest fears head-on, blurring the line between fantasy and reality.
And, it's certainly not for everybody. So, if you scare easily, a VR headset is most definitely not for you.
Summary
In conclusion, scary games - whether they're part of an online casino or you're playing on a console - offer us a thrilling and terrifying experience that taps into our primal instinct for fear and excitement. Whether it's the adrenaline rush, the challenge of proving your might in the face of fear, or the social aspect of multiplayer gameplay, scary gaming provides us with a unique form of entertainment.
So, are you feeling brave enough?
