10 Indie Horror Games That Changed Everything
7. Phasmophobia (Kinetic Games)
Despite its reputation as being janky and full of bugs, Kinetic Games' Phasmophobia nonetheless made a splash in the horror game space as a fun and interesting multiplayer co-op that incorporated interesting mechanics.
The first person viewpoint makes players more vulnerable to the game's scares, and even the minimal transitions from its ghosts and hauntings somehow make it even scarier. Having a ghost flash into existence with nary a warning can really get the heart pumping - especially if you're playing it on VR. The ghost hunting aspect also gives it a simple, straightforward goal with some more complex mechanics, a bit difficult to get at first while players try to figure out what type of ghost they're hunting, but not without its charm even then.
Its innovative gameplay, atmospheric audio, and the timing of its 2020 release made a big splash with co-op players, popularity boosted by streamers who played it with friends.
It would eventually be followed by similar multiplayers such as Lethal Company, capturing its silly, chaotic, frightening nature.