Why Do Some People Enjoy Horror Games While Others Find Them Stressful

Horror games continue to captivate millions of players worldwide, selling out on launch days and spawning dedicated online communities. Yet for every fan who thrives on jump scares and eerie atmospheres, there’s another person who can’t make it past the first level without turning the game off. The divide isn’t random—it reflects deep psychological, biological, and even cultural differences in how individuals process fear, arousal, and entertainment. Understanding this contrast reveals more than just gaming preferences; it sheds light on human emotion, risk perception, and the complex relationship between stress and pleasure.

The Psychology of Fear: Why It Feels Different to Everyone

Fear is a primal emotion, hardwired into the brain as a survival mechanism. When we perceive danger—real or imagined—the amygdala triggers a cascade of physiological responses: increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened alertness. In real-world scenarios, these reactions prepare us to fight, flee, or freeze. But in the context of horror games, the brain recognizes that the threat isn’t real, creating a unique psychological loop where fear becomes a source of excitement rather than genuine danger.

This phenomenon, known as “benign masochism,” describes the paradoxical enjoyment of unpleasant sensations when they’re experienced in a safe environment. Psychologist Paul Rozin coined the term to explain why people like spicy food, roller coasters, or sad movies—experiences that mimic pain or distress but are ultimately under control. Horror games fit squarely within this category. For those who enjoy them, the fear is thrilling because it’s contained. The player knows they’re safe, which allows them to savor the adrenaline rush without long-term consequences.

“People don’t enjoy fear itself—they enjoy mastering it. The triumph over a terrifying situation, even a virtual one, produces a powerful sense of accomplishment.” — Dr. Margee Kerr, sociologist and author of *Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear*

However, not everyone’s brain interprets this signal the same way. Some individuals have a lower threshold for anxiety or a stronger tendency toward immersive imagination. For them, the boundary between fiction and reality blurs more easily, making the experience overwhelming rather than exhilarating.

Personality Traits That Predict Horror Game Enjoyment

Research has consistently linked certain personality types with a higher tolerance—or even preference—for horror content. One key factor is sensation-seeking, a trait identified by psychologist Marvin Zuckerman. Sensation-seekers crave novel, intense, and complex experiences. They’re drawn to extreme sports, loud music, and yes, horror games. These individuals often report feeling bored by routine and seek stimulation to maintain optimal arousal levels.

A 2020 study published in *Personality and Individual Differences* found that high sensation-seekers were significantly more likely to enjoy horror games and films. They also reported greater immersion and less post-experience distress. Conversely, people low in sensation-seeking preferred lighter genres and were more likely to avoid horror due to anticipated discomfort.

Another relevant trait is empathy. Highly empathetic individuals may struggle with horror games because they vividly imagine the suffering of characters or feel emotionally drained by dark narratives. This can trigger personal anxiety or moral discomfort, especially in games involving torture, psychological abuse, or helplessness.

Tip: If you're unsure whether you'll enjoy a horror game, start with titles rated \"psychological thriller\" rather than \"survival horror.\" These often emphasize mystery and suspense over relentless terror.

Biological and Neurological Factors at Play

Beyond personality, biology plays a crucial role in shaping our response to fear-based entertainment. Dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation, behaves differently across individuals during high-arousal situations. Some brains release more dopamine in response to scary stimuli, reinforcing the behavior and making the experience feel rewarding. Others may experience a surge of cortisol (the stress hormone) without the balancing effect of endorphins, leading to prolonged unease.

Neuroimaging studies show that when people watch horror content, their brains activate regions involved in threat detection, emotional regulation, and attention. However, fans of horror exhibit stronger connectivity between the prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for rational thought—and the amygdala. This suggests they’re better able to regulate fear responses and maintain cognitive control, turning panic into play.

In contrast, individuals prone to anxiety disorders or PTSD may have hyperactive amygdalae and weaker prefrontal regulation. For them, horror games can inadvertently reactivate traumatic memories or induce panic attacks. Even if they intellectually understand the game isn’t real, their nervous system responds as though it is.

Control, Mastery, and the Appeal of Overcoming Fear

One reason horror games are uniquely compelling compared to passive horror media (like films) is the element of control. In a movie, viewers are observers. In a game, players must act—solve puzzles, evade enemies, manage resources—all while under psychological pressure. This active participation transforms fear into challenge.

Players who enjoy horror games often describe a sense of mastery after surviving a difficult section. Completing a terrifying sequence provides a confidence boost akin to finishing a marathon or solving a complex puzzle. The difficulty isn’t just tolerated—it’s embraced as part of the appeal.

Game design reinforces this dynamic through mechanics like limited saves, scarce ammunition, or unpredictable enemy AI. These features increase tension but also amplify the satisfaction of progress. Developers intentionally craft these experiences to create what designer Hidetaka Miyazaki (creator of *Dark Souls* and *Elden Ring*) calls “fair punishment”—where failure teaches skill, not frustration.

Yet for others, lack of control is precisely what makes horror games unbearable. Players who value predictability or dislike uncertainty may find the constant unpredictability exhausting. The absence of clear solutions or safe zones can lead to decision fatigue and emotional burnout, especially in open-ended survival horror titles.

Table: Psychological Profiles of Horror Game Responses

Psychological Trait	Enjoyment Likelihood	Common Reaction	Preferred Subgenre
High Sensation-Seeking	High	Excitement, engagement	Survival horror, action horror
High Empathy	Low	Distress, emotional fatigue	Narrative-driven thrillers (if any)
Anxiety-Prone	Very Low	Panic, avoidance	None or mild suspense
High Cognitive Control	High	Mastery, problem-solving focus	Puzzle horror, stealth-based
Fantasy Proneness	Mixed	Deep immersion or overwhelm	Atmospheric, story-rich horror

Cultural and Social Influences on Horror Preferences

Personal psychology doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Cultural background and social context shape how fear is perceived and expressed. In Japan, for example, horror often emphasizes spiritual dread, ancestral guilt, and atmospheric unease—seen in games like *Fatal Frame* or *Corpse Party*. Western horror, by contrast, frequently focuses on individual survival, physical threats, and gore-heavy antagonists like zombies or mutants.

Exposure during formative years also matters. People who grew up watching horror films or playing spooky games with siblings or friends may associate the genre with bonding and nostalgia. Others who had traumatic early experiences—such as being frightened by a scary game as a child—may carry lasting aversions.

Social validation plays a role too. Online communities celebrate horror game completions, speedruns, and lore discussions. Being part of a group that values courage and endurance can motivate individuals to push through discomfort. Conversely, someone who feels isolated or judged for their fear may withdraw entirely from the genre.

Mini Case Study: Two Siblings, Two Reactions

Take the case of Mark and Lena, siblings raised in the same household. At 16, Mark eagerly downloaded *Resident Evil Village*, staying up late to explore its gothic villages and face off against Lady Dimitrescu. He streamed his gameplay, laughing at jump scares and analyzing enemy patterns. For him, the game was a test of nerve and strategy.

Lena, two years younger, tried the same game but quit after ten minutes. The sound design—creaking floors, distant whispers—made her heart race. She felt physically tense and couldn’t relax even after quitting. Unlike Mark, she didn’t feel in control. Instead of excitement, she felt invaded.

Despite similar upbringing, their responses diverged due to temperament. Mark scored high on sensation-seeking and had strong emotional regulation. Lena was more introverted, sensitive to sensory input, and prone to rumination. Their parents later recalled that Lena had nightmares after watching *Casper* at age six, while Mark once pretended to be chased by monsters for fun.

This illustrates that preference isn’t about weakness or strength—it’s about neurobiological wiring and personal thresholds.

How to Navigate Horror Games Based on Your Tolerance

If you’re curious about horror games but wary of stress, consider a gradual approach. Start with titles that offer adjustable difficulty, optional scare settings, or companion modes. Many modern games now include accessibility options such as reduced jump scares, brightness filters, or narrative summaries for players who want the story without the trauma.

• Begin with narrative-focused horror like *What Remains of Edith Finch* or *Gone Home*, which emphasize storytelling over frights.
• Use community guides to skip particularly intense sections if needed.
• Play during daylight hours and in a well-lit room to reduce environmental immersion.
• Take breaks every 20–30 minutes to reset your nervous system.
• Have a “safe exit” plan, such as pausing and switching to a calming activity afterward.

Checklist: Assessing Your Horror Game Readiness

1. Am I generally comfortable with suspenseful or dark themes?
2. Do I recover quickly from startling moments?
3. Have I enjoyed horror films or books before?
4. Can I separate fiction from reality easily?
5. Do I prefer having control in challenging situations?
6. Is my current mental health stable? (Avoid horror during periods of high anxiety.)

FAQ

Can playing horror games desensitize me to real fear?

There’s no strong evidence that horror games reduce sensitivity to real danger. In fact, some research suggests they may improve threat assessment by simulating high-pressure decision-making. However, excessive exposure during vulnerable periods could heighten anxiety in predisposed individuals.

Why do I feel energized after a horror game while my friend feels drained?

This comes down to individual arousal regulation. You may experience a rewarding dopamine spike and a sense of mastery, while your friend’s nervous system remains in a prolonged state of alertness, leading to fatigue. Both responses are normal.

Are there benefits to avoiding horror games if they stress me out?

Absolutely. Avoiding media that causes distress is a form of self-care. Mental well-being matters more than genre trends. There’s no obligation to endure fear for entertainment. Plenty of engaging, immersive games exist outside the horror genre.

Conclusion

The divide between those who love horror games and those who find them stressful isn’t arbitrary—it’s rooted in measurable differences in personality, biology, and life experience. What one person finds exhilarating, another may find overwhelming, and both reactions are valid. The key is self-awareness: understanding your own emotional landscape and making choices that align with your well-being.

For fans, horror games offer a rare blend of challenge, narrative depth, and visceral excitement. For others, peace of mind is more valuable than any virtual thrill. Neither perspective is superior. What matters is respecting individual boundaries and recognizing that entertainment should enhance, not erode, our mental resilience.

🚀 Ready to explore your own fear threshold? Try a short session of a mild horror game—or share your experience in the comments. Whether you love the scare or prefer calm adventures, your insight helps others navigate this complex emotional terrain.