Macabre video games transport players into worlds filled with death, despair, and disturbing content that can be suffocating and inescapable. While the horror genre is notorious for crafting some of the most horrifying and gruesome games, macabre video games span various genres and gameplay styles. Some games shock with upsetting content, while others explore macabre themes in beautiful and serene ways.
The dark themes in these games cover a wide spectrum, from terminal illnesses, grief, and loss to body horror, sexual violence, and depravity. Whether subtly hinting at death and suffering or blatantly showcasing them, these macabre games imprint players with a lingering feeling of unease and dread.
Updated February 25, 2024, by Holly Dixon: With the looming arrival of a Silent Hill 2 Remake and the continuous release of darker horror games, gamers have ample disturbing content to explore. Even though 177 is one of the oldest games on this list, its shock factor remains intact due to its outdated moral values and insensitive portrayal of sexual violence. Modern macabre games now carry the responsibility of conveying that in-game violence should never be replicated in reality. While death and despair are prevalent themes, macabre games can also touch on aspects of life and hope, exemplified by games like That Dragon, Cancer.
14 Unveiling What Remains of Edith Finch
Exploring Grief, Death, Neglect, and Suicide
What Remains of Edith Finch offers a unique macabre experience, immersing players in a world where death is a constant presence. The game follows Edith as she returns to the Finch home, a mausoleum honoring deceased family members who supposedly fell victim to a hereditary curse. Despite the morbid backdrop, the house exudes a cozy atmosphere, almost lifelike in its preserved state.
Each room in the house memorializes a different family member, inviting players to mourn these characters they've just met but quickly grown attached to. Traversing the precarious sections of the house instills a fear of Edith succumbing to the family curse. Despite criticism for its lack of interactivity, players complete the game with a sense of attending numerous heart-wrenching funerals in succession.
13 Encountering That Dragon, Cancer
Dealing with Death, Illness, and Grief
That Dragon, Cancer poignantly captures the harsh reality of childhood cancer through the story of Joel Green. Players delve into Joel's memories, alternating between hospital scenes and dreamlike sequences that vividly portray his emotional journey. Developed as a tribute by Joel's parents, the game's authenticity hits home with real recordings and photos, blurring the line between the game and real-life tragedy.
The inclusion of authentic voices and images adds an eerie layer to the game, forcing players to confront the raw vulnerability of a real child's battle with mortality. That Dragon, Cancer stands as a heartfelt memorial to Joel, reminding players of life's fragility and the power of hope amidst despair.
12 Exploring My Lovely Daughter
Experiencing Mass Killing and Human Sacrifice
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
- Released: March 8, 2018
- Developers: GameChanger Studio
- Genres: Simulation, Adventure
My Lovely Daughter presents players with emotionally distressing gameplay centered around a grieving father's macabre quest to revive his deceased daughter. Through dark magic, players create and sacrifice homunculus daughters to restore their child's soul, leading to heart-wrenching letters from the unaware sacrificial daughters.
The game's poignant portrayal of sacrificial love and twisted familial bonds creates a harrowing narrative that challenges players' moral compass and emotional resilience, delivering a haunting gaming experience.