There's no worse feeling for a creative than to be labeled as a one-trick pony. It doesn't matter how you excel at what you do but you'd like to be known for being someone who isn't afraid explore outside your comfort zones. TWe could say the same for video game studios, and it appears that Frictional Games is feeling it.
Nearly two decades of exclusively making horror games has made the acclaimed Swedish developer, who's best known for its unsettling survival horror titles like the Penumbra and Amnesia series, is reportedly planning a pivot away from the pure horror genre in their future games.
Frictional Games, the acclaimed Swedish developer known for its unsettling survival horror titles such as the Penumbra and Amnesia series, is reportedly planning a pivot away from the pure horror genre in their future games. The creative director and co-founder, Thomas Grip, shared these intentions in an interview, emphasizing that their prime objective has always been to deliver emotional investment and immersive gameplay, not solely fear.
"For future projects, I think we will cut back a bit on the horror aspects in order to give greater focus on other emotional qualities," Grip shared.
Grip remains confident that their forthcoming games will still carry the unique Frictional charm but the goal is to associate their identity more with immersive gameplay, personal narratives, and a holistic vision - not just scaring the pants out of gamers.
