Horror game devs, get ready! This year’s game jam organized by Filipino Horror Games Hub will begin accepting submissions this September.
The first-ever horror-genre game jam will be led by independent studio and developers Neuroticfly Games, SolitaryStudios, Murushii Studios, and Blu Wraith, who make up the Filipino Horror Games Hub community.
Centered on Filipino culture
The horror genre has long shaped Filipino culture, drawing from the country’s history, folklore, beliefs, and even religion.
Numerous titles in literature, movies, and series fill that space and the Filipino audience continues to clamor for the genre.
‘For me, horror feels very natural in the Filipino dev space because it connects strongly with culture and storytelling,’ said Murushii of Murushii Studios, who requested to only be referred to by his alias.
‘A lot of our local myths, folklore, and even everyday life carry that eerie or uncanny feeling, which makes horror a powerful way to turn familiar things into something unsettling and memorable.’
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According to Guiam, he noticed how horror fans have created a community. Players and casual viewers find enjoyment in getting a good scare together.
‘On the player’ side, horror also tends to work really well in the Philippines because it creates strong emotional and shared reactions,’ he said. ‘People don’t just play it, they experience it together. It becomes that ‘sabay-sabay matatakot’ (scared together) kind of moment, especially during livestreams and community playthroughs.’
About the organizers and the game jam
The theme of the game is set to be revealed on September 1.
‘The goal of the jam is to encourage originality and create memorable horror experiences while supporting the continued growth of the Filipino horror game development scene,’ said Murushii.
Neuroticfly Games recently released Interdimensional Vending Machine on Steam, while SolitaryStudios is known for their horror titles.
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Additionally, Murushii Studios released Project Threshold on June 25 and Blu Wraith developed Apartment 22.