Classic horror fans are about to get a blast from the past. The critically acclaimed survival horror game Alone In The Dark is getting a remake. First released in 1992, the original Alone In The Dark game set a record for being the first 3D survival horror game ever created. Not only was the title an originator of the now famed survival horror genre, but it also strongly influenced the creation of the Resident Evil and Silent Hill franchises. What some horror fans may not know is that Alone In The Dark might have been the first game to incorporate the works of H.P. Lovecraft.
Since almost every modern horror game - from Outlast to Dead Space - has been influenced by Lovecraft in some way, it might be challenging to think of a time when the creator of cosmic horror was not influencing video game culture and development. Since the upcoming Alone In The Dark remake will feature a new story by Soma and Amnesia: The Dark Descent writer Mikael Hedberg, the game could further distinguish itself by leaving out Lovecraft's influence.
Lovecraftian Horror Games Have Enduring Popularity, But Lack Originality
From Dying Light 2 to The Quarry, the horror genre has been in the midst of a renaissance when it comes to video games. Among the dozens of horror video games released each year, Lovecraft seems to be an enduring theme in a lot of them. While some modern horror games like Darkest Dungeon and Carrion have put a new spin on Lovecraft and the themes of isolation, darkness, and disturbing atrocities, there have also been titles that directly adapted Lovecraft's cosmic horror tales. While this isn't inherently an issue, the sheer number of games directly connected to the Lovecraft Mythos makes the similarities unavoidable.
For instance, horror games like Call of the Sea and Call of Cthulhu adopt many of the hallmarks of a Lovecraft short story. Both games involve a mystery, nightmares, delusions, loss of sanity, and odd sea creatures, and they even directly refer to beings and events from the works of Lovecraft. While fans enjoyed diving into the world of cosmic horror in the early 20th century, it's become increasingly difficult to tell these games apart. While Alone In The Dark might have been the first game to adapt the works of H.P. Lovecraft into a survival horror game, the sheer over-saturation of the genre might hurt the remake's success.
Alone In The Dark Can Be A Horror Masterpiece Without Relying on H.P. Lovecraft
Some fans of the original Alone In The Dark game might be skeptical of leaving the game's roots behind, especially since the game's DNA is closely tied to Lovecraft. The remake can survive without hedging its bets on cosmic horror tropes and forge a new and unique path without them. For instance, while the upcoming game will still be focused on the protagonists Emily Hartwood and Private Investigator Edward Carnby, the enemies they face could be based on real-life horrors. Not only could this emphasize player choice - especially if the characters are facing off against their psyches - but it could introduce new enemies.
While the Cthulhu Mythos has remained one of the most famous and influential horror collections of all time, it has unfortunately been all too apparent in modern horror games. Even the upcoming The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom expansion is getting in on the Lovecraft gaming craze. Instead of featuring the same creatures first created by Lovecraft, Alone In The Dark could focus on human enemies like cultists, reality-shifting hostile environments, and the monsters hiding behind trusted allies.
Alone in the Dark is currently in development for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
