Found Media Horror Jam

Create Horror From The Things We Weren’t Meant to See

Welcome to the Found Media Horror Jam, a challenge where developers dive deep into the eerie, unsettling world of found footage, lost tapes, cursed recordings, and forgotten media. The goal is to craft terrifying experiences based on media that wasn’t supposed to be uncovered, making players feel as though they’ve stumbled upon something dark, secret, and deeply disturbing.

What Is Found Media Horror?

Found media horror plays with the idea that some things should remain lost. Whether it’s an unearthed VHS tape with bizarre recordings, a corrupted file hiding disturbing footage, or a creepy journal filled with fragmented stories, the horror comes from the feeling that you’ve uncovered something sinister. It's about building dread through the unknown and forbidden.

This jam is your chance to explore mystery, fear of discovery, and the paranoia of uncovering the unexplainable.

Key Elements to Focus On

For a successful submission, your game should explore the unsettling nature of media that wasn’t meant to be found. Here are some guidelines to inspire you:

1. Fragmented Storytelling: The narrative doesn’t need to be linear or complete. Give players bits and pieces to uncover, leaving them to piece together the horror on their own.

2. The Media: Your game’s focus could be around a found tape, a hidden file, a cursed website, a strange audio recording, or any other form of lost media. Make it feel like the player has stumbled upon something they shouldn’t have.

3. Building Tension: Start subtle and let the horror slowly creep in. Use suspense, unsettling visuals, distorted sound, or hidden messages to build an atmosphere of dread.

4. Limited Interaction: Found media horror thrives on a sense of helplessness. The player might not have many tools to fight back—let the environment and media do most of the scaring.

What Makes Found Media Horror Unique?

Unlike traditional horror, found media horror doesn’t rely on big scares or fast-paced action. Instead, it thrives on atmosphere, the unknown, and a creeping realization that something is terribly wrong. You’re aiming for a slow-burn experience, where the true horror might only dawn on the player as they piece together the mystery. The best found media horror games leave the player thinking about the experience long after the game ends.

DISCORD LINK
https://discord.gg/MqR9zDeNVR