What Outlast's Tearful Playtest Means for Future Horror Game…

The story shows that extreme horror carries a human cost behind the scenes, and Red Barrels' transparency in hiring may set an example for studios making graphic content.

The story shows that extreme horror carries a human cost behind the scenes, and Red Barrels' transparency in hiring may set an example for studios making graphic content.

Key points - Red Barrels co-founder Phillipe Morin said one playtester ran out of the studio crying and never returned. - Morin said the studio's gore was a personal preference, not a deliberate attempt to court controversy. - A scriptwriter early on said there was "never too much blood" in the game. - One hire resigned on Thursday after starting Monday due to discomfort with religious content. - The Outlast Trials sold half a million copies in its first week of early access.

Timeline - 2013: The Outlast series begins and eventually attracts 60 million players. - Early access launch: The Outlast Trials sells half a million copies in its first week. - Recent GameSpot interview: Morin reveals playtesters and staff were disturbed by the studio's content.

FAQ

Q: Did a playtester really run out of the Outlast studio crying? A: Yes. Phillipe Morin recalled one playtest where someone ran outside to cry after a couple of hours and never returned to the studio.

Q: Why did one Red Barrels employee quit after four days? A: Morin said the person knew about the gore and violence but had a blind spot for religious content and wasn't comfortable with it.

Q: Is Red Barrels making Outlast 3? A: It hasn't been announced. Morin only suggested the studio is unlikely to soften its approach if another Outlast game happens.