Since the release of the consoles PS1 and PS2, as well as the succession of “Resident Evil,” from 1996 and “Silent Hill,” from 1999, horror games have become mainstream in media. Each year, the horror game genre is the most anticipated for games the new year will bring. This leads to the question, what will be next for the horror game genre and what will excite players this year?
At the beginning of 2020, there was a surge in popularity for storytelling video games: “The Last of Us 2,” “Resident Evil Village,” “Silent Hill 2 Remake,”, etc. Due to high demand for the sub-genre, there is a variety of upcoming storytelling horror games for the next year.
When it comes to hyped-up upcoming horror games in the storytelling sub-genre, “Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly” and “Resident Evil Requiem” take the cake. Both games are an addition to pre-established franchises that already have acquired an audience. “Fatal Frame” was released on Dec 13, 2001, and “Resident Evil” released on Mar 22, 1999.
The “Fatal Frame” franchise, developed by Team NINJA, is described as a series of survival horror games centered around a special camera, the Camera Obscura, battling and exorcising hostile ghosts in haunted locations in Japan. The game is so popular it has inspired a Gothic sub-genre on TikTok known as “Female Horror Protagonist Fashion,” or “Japanese Horror Game Fashion”.
The TikTok fashion sub-genre is defined as a micro-trend inspired by female protagonists of the 90’s and early 2000’s, mostly “Fatal Frame”. The genre combines Dark Coquette and Grunge to create both a hyper-feminine and melancholy appearance.
Now you may wonder what to expect from the game based on past games. This game is a remake of the 2003 original title “Fatal Frame: Crimson Butterfly,” and will feature most, if not all, of the elements originally included in the original.
Similar to other popular survival horror games of its time, “Fatal Frame” will have puzzles to solve and plenty of jump scares to make players jump out of their skin. Nonetheless, fans mostly expect drastic changes from the original in the game. On social media platforms like TikTok and X, original fans of the series have mixed reactions to the modern twist that will come with the remake.
The trailer for this prospective game is already showing potential to be one of the best horror games of 2026. Not only does the trailer reveal that the newest addition to the franchise still has the charm of the first games, but it also reveals the chilling experience players will receive upon release date. “Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly” is said to be released sometime in 2026.
Recently, the “Resident Evil,” series, created by Capcom, has released numerous additions to the franchise, such as “Resident Evil Village,”, “Resident Evil 7,” and “Resident Evil 4 – Remake,”. Although “Resident Evil 7,” is considered to be Capcom’s best development, this year’s game appears to be the scariest by far in graphics and antagonists.
The new game’s mainline follows Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst, investigating an unidentified disease at the Wrenwood Hotel, said to be the site of her mother’s death. The story is set to uncover the truth behind the Raccoon City incident from 1999.
Capcom has yet to reveal the recurring character that will be present in “Resident Evil Requiem.” However, fans have already speculated that Leon Kennedy will make an appearance. Since the remake of “Resident Evil 2,” Leon Kennedy became a fan favorite once again; to fans, his presence is to be expected.
Despite fan speculation and multiple leaks, one thing is certain for this new title: It will be a terrifying experience for players. The question is, will “Resident Evil Requiem,” surpass the titles before or become a well-known flop?
Interested in finding other survival horror games similar to these upcoming titles? Try out these games on PC: Hunting Ground (2005), Rule of Rose (2006), Kuon (2004), Forbidden Siren (2008), Silent Hill: Town Fall (soon), and Silent Hill 3 (2003). These games are sure to entertain and scare you!
Another known sub-genre of horror game media, that has found its way back into the mainstream, are old-console style horror games. Between the early 1990s and late 2000s, horror games were in their prime; and while horror games are still mainstream, the aesthetic and experience of old console video games, think PS2 and household PCs, were simply different.
In the 1990s, point and click games were generally popular and have made a comeback. These games are characterized by the gameplay, in which the player cannot move their character or inspect items without pointing and clicking areas with their cursor. 
While point and click games haven’t been popularized to the extent of the storytelling sub-genre, recently it has begun to garner an audience. In the rise of its popularity, there is now a new point-and-click game coming to Steam called “Do not play.”
“Do not play,” is a co-developed upcoming Japanese point-and-click game by Fahrenheit 213 – with English translations -exploring the horrors of the early internet. There isn’t much information on the game yet regarding story lines; however, on YouTube, there is a trailer promoting it.
On the other hand, old PS game consoles themed horror games are in high demand for next year. Currently, there are 4 upcoming PS1/PS2 titles that will be released soon, most of which are from indie developers and will be released on Steam and Ich.io.
The PS1-styled games are “Lights Camera Slaughter,” and “ASTALA MUERTE,”. For PS2-style themed games, “No Vacation for an Executioner,” and “Liminal Point,” will be available on Steam.
Games to consider playing if you want the point-and-click game experience: “I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream,” (1995), “Midnight Special,” (2025), “Franbow” (2015), “At the Dead of Night,” (2020), “Sally Face,” (2016), and “Detention,” (2017). If you have a preference for PS1 or PS2 games, I suggest these titles: Bloodwash (2021), Nightmare of Decay (2022), and Murder House (2020).
Perhaps these games did not excite you. Maybe you’re not looking for any upcoming titles for 2026, and want something to play in your spare time or during the Halloween season? Try playing “No, I’m not a Human”, an indie developed game released during this month.
“No, I’m not a Human” takes place during an apocalypse, when the sun is said to explode and in turn, the beings classified as “Visitors,”- hostile creatures that mimic humans in order to kill them- rise to the surface and pose threat to society. During the night, the player must allow people into their home seeking shelter from the drastic heat; however, the player must choose wisely, for anyone could be a visitor (character’s status as visitors or survivors change every gameplay).
Although there are not many titles for the next year, the horror genre will prosper in the next few months. And as September suddenly comes to an end, and October creeps upon us, remember the similar games suggested for a fun night on Halloween.
