In the video "How Gloomwood Combines Survival Horror & Immersive Sims" published by Noclip - Video Game Documentaries, the creators discuss the design and development of the game Gloomwood, which blends elements of survival horror games like "Resident Evil" and "Silent Hill" with immersive sim games like "Thief" and "Dishonored." The video features an interview with Dillon Rogers, the game's developer, who shares insights into the challenges and successes of merging these two genres.
Gloomwood's design takes inspiration from early 2000s first-person games, with a focus on stealth, inventory management, and restrictions on when players can save their progress. Rogers discusses the game's lighting and sound propagation systems, which were influenced by the groundbreaking work of Looking Glass Studios. The game uses a raycast method for handling light, allowing players to interact with light sources like torches and electric lights. Sound propagation in Gloomwood is inspired by "Thief," with rooms and hallways designed to muffle or enhance sound, depending on the player's actions.
The video also delves into the development of Gloomwood's enemies, which evolved over time to include more personality and voice lines. Rogers explains that the addition of voices for the guards not only improved readability but also added depth to the game world. The game's level design is another critical aspect, as it must balance the empowerment of immersive sims with the disempowerment of survival horror games. Gloomwood's levels feature safe zones and dangerous areas, along with shortcuts and save points to create a tense and engaging experience for players.
One of the game's unique features is the phonograph system, which serves as a save point and adds atmospheric flavor. The sound of the phonograph guides players to save locations, creating a sense of relief and safety. This system is an example of the intersection between survival horror and immersive sim genres, as it encourages players to adapt to the game's mechanics and embrace the tension of the experience.
Gloomwood takes inspiration from other games like "Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth," which features an unsettling atmosphere and exploration of a mysterious town. The video concludes with a discussion of the importance of player feedback and the role it plays in the game's ongoing development.
Overall, the video provides an in-depth look at the design process and challenges of combining two popular game genres to create a unique and engaging experience. By examining the game's lighting, sound, enemy design, and level design, the video offers valuable insights into the development of Gloomwood and the potential of merging survival horror and immersive sim genres in future games.
