Introduction The video game "Outlast" has carved its niche within the survival horror genre, offering players a deeply unsettling experience that combines exploration, stealth, and psychological horror. Released in 2013, "Outlast" quickly gained attention for its intense gameplay and disturbing narrative, setting it apart from other titles in the genre. This paper aims to explore the game's design, its contribution to the survival horror genre, and the psychological themes it explores. Game Design and Survival Horror Elements "Outlast" places players in the shoes of investigative journalist Miles Upshur, who infiltrates the Mount Massive Asylum in search of a story. The game's setting, an abandoned and dilapidated asylum, provides the perfect backdrop for horror. Utilizing a first-person perspective, "Outlast" creates an immersive experience, simulating the vulnerability and fear that define the survival horror genre.

The psychological aspect of horror is amplified by the protagonist's fragile mental state. As players progress through the game, they experience hallucinations and moments of extreme psychological distress, reflecting Miles's disintegrating mental health. This mechanic serves to immerse players further in the horror experience, blurring the lines between reality and the protagonist's paranoia. "Outlast" has had a significant impact on the survival horror genre, influencing a wave of subsequent games. Its success demonstrated a market for more horror-focused, less action-oriented games, leading to a resurgence of interest in psychological horror. The game's use of sound and visuals to create a terrifying atmosphere has been particularly influential, setting a new standard for horror game design. Conclusion "Outlast" stands as a pivotal title in the survival horror genre, pushing the boundaries of what's expected from a horror game. Its focus on psychological horror, combined with intense gameplay and a disturbing setting, offers players a deeply unsettling experience. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, "Outlast" serves as a prime example of how horror can be effectively used to engage and terrify audiences, ensuring its place as a modern horror classic.

This paper provides a brief overview of "Outlast," its design choices, and its impact on the survival horror genre. The game's exploration of psychological horror themes and its influence on subsequent titles highlight its importance in the gaming landscape.