Valve's Portal is a psychological experience as much as it is a mind-bending puzzler, with players having to complete experiments in each chamber of Aperture Science's test facility while being berated and often lied to by its overseeing supercomputer GLaDOS. However, one player has modded Portal to turn it into a psychological horror game akin to something seen in a creepypasta.
The ERROR mod, which is described as "a corrupted version of Portal that I've somehow managed to get" by creator M_K_L, was first uploaded to Mod DB in December 2019 with two chambers, and it officially released with all its content on August 1. According to PC Gamer's Christopher Livingston, the mod alters the experience in a multitude of ways similar to other famous video game creepypastas. For example, it replaces GLaDOS' narration with eerie ambient noises and distant voices, messes with the game's visuals, and adds more "overt horrors" like teleporting the player to unusual places.
Portal is known for its clever puzzles cut together with comedic moments, so the idea of a mod like ERROR overhauling that experience is as intriguing as it is unsettling. Valve shut down the possibility of Portal in VR around the release of Half-Life: Alyx due to issues with the technology, so unique takes on the popular series by fans is a great way to keep it fresh.
That being said, Valve has not completely abandoned Portal. Respawn Entertainment's battle royale Apex Legends will receive Half-Life and Portal weapon charms when the game releases on Steam, much like Mediatonic's hit game Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout released a special Half-Life costume for players who pre-ordered through Valve's online storefront.
Modding communities have expanded what's possible in a number of games through aesthetic changes, quality-of-life improvements, and new mechanics that alter how users can approach the experience. For instance, one mod made it so all romance options in The Witcher 3 became Yennefer, thus ensuring the character would be Geralt of Rivia's one true partner.
That romance-focused mod is a far cry from M_K_L's horrific version of Portal, but the dichotomy between the two shows the potential for mods when there are dedicated fans willing to try something new. During Bethesda's QuakeCon At Home event, Project Lead Jeff Gardiner confirmed mod support is coming to Fallout 76, which should support that game's longevity much like it has for Portal.
Portal is available now on PC and legacy consoles.