CRAFTING FEAR
A guide to horror factors in video games
This is the first guide available on the market that focuses on designing fear and anxiety, based on scientific research and analyses of the successes and failures of various productions.
Discover the secrets of instilling fear.
Who is it for?
"Crafting Fear: A Guide to Horror Factors in Video Games" is a book accessible to both genre enthusiasts and professionals in the field of virtual worlds creation.
For Game Developers
The book provides practical advice that you can use when designing games and creating experiences.
For Genre Fans
"Crafting Fear" explains in an accessible way the elements of horror that influence the feeling of fear and anxiety.
Contents
The book comprehensively explains the differences between fear and anxiety and their use in games. It analyzes both the positive and negative factors of fear, vividly showing their application.
The book is divided into 3 sections:
- Horror, Fear, and Anxiety: where you will learn about the neuropsychological foundations of fear.
- Factor Analysis: discussing the factors that shape horror.
- Case Study Analysis: showcasing how games like "Phantaruk" and "Alien: Isolation" can influence the success of horror genre games.
Sample Pages
More About the Book
This book is not just theory — it's a practical guide that leads you step by step through the most important elements of building atmosphere, tension, and terror. You will learn how emotions affect players, how to create an engaging horror narrative, and how to use fear as a tool to capture the audience's attention for a long time.
A Note from the Author
"Crafting Fear" combines my passion for psychology and games. It draws on the analysis of scientific texts, industry articles, and live material—video games, both good and bad. I candidly discuss my own missteps as well.
I wrote, edited, and compiled the entire text myself—including creating the graphic design. As a result, this book is not perfect. However, I guarantee that through it, you will gain detailed knowledge about the art of creating horror.
Unique eBook
This is the only eBook on the market that analyzes and summarizes the factors of fear in a clear way.
Original System
By analyzing studies and articles, I developed my own system for categorizing the factors of fear and anxiety.
100 Pages of Insight
The book consists of 100 pages of analyses, practical advice, and clear examples.
I love sharing knowledge, which is why
Pay What You Want
Recently, game industry workers have been facing a wave of layoffs and job-seeking challenges. I decided to release this ebook in a "Pay What You Want" format to show even a small amount of support to my fellow professionals for whom I created this work.
Suggested Price: 19,99$
Minimum Price: 1$
Support me
if you feel like it.
If you have the means and the desire, I encourage you to purchase the ebook at the suggested price or any amount of your choosing. <3
Where to Buy?
I recommend purchasing through Amazon or Itch.io and reading it in PDF format. <3
Prefer Paper?
If you, like me, prefer reading physical books, check out the edition available on Amazon. This version comes with a soft cover and is printed in full color.
*Suggested price only
** Physical copy, soft cover
Meet the Author
Hi there!
My name is Patryk Polewiak, and I've been creating games for over ten years. I've worked both as an independent creator (it can be tough, right?) and as a regular employee in smaller or larger companies.
My efforts are focused on level design and mechanics, with my favorite genres being shooters and horror. I’ve worked for companies like Bloober Team, One More Level, and Teyon.
I co-founded and ran the company Polyslash (releasing two games) and authored the book "Creating Games" (Insignis, Poland). I had the pleasure of working on "We. The Revolution" and designing levels for "Robocop: Rogue City."
I’m currently studying psychology at the University of Business in Nowy Sącz. I'm also a member of the American Psychological Association (APA).