Sound effects in horror games: the key of creating tension towards players

Ng, Poh Yang (2026) Sound effects in horror games: the key of creating tension towards players. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

This study is to examine and justify on the sound effects in horror video games on their effectiveness in creating tension towards players and eventually enhancing the immersion of the gameplay from the player’s perspective. The study will be using an observation method approach, which the data will be analysed through players reaction and behaviour when they are under tension, their decision-making when they hear sound effects throughout their gameplay in a horror game. Then, the observation will be examined for each of the players in a deep study in order to prove the theory of this study. Results The results show the players will feel tension and frequently trying to run away from the zombies in the game and often gets outnumbered when there are multiple zombies in a short distance. Thus, the sound effects are also effective in affecting players’ decision, as the deep footstep sound from Tyrant makes them feel tension and often trying to run away from it. The findings of the study confirm the hypotheses do match with the study itself, and sound effects do influence tension and deep immersion into the video game and the players. But there are limitations throughout the study, where the data is only collected through online videos of players reacting instead of observing players in real life as this could make the results more accurate; Thus, considerations such as other factors that can cause tension towards the players can be implemented into the study for deeper knowledge.

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