Research: History, Inspiration, and Meaning

Human beings are inherently drawn to the unknown, and this fascination extends to horror, driven by various motivations. For instance, some are curious, others find it "cool," and some see it as a way to learn about themselves by confronting fear in unique ways. Horror also serves as a reminder of our mortal existence—the inevitability of death. However, this acknowledgment of mortality also reinforces the preciousness of life. As the saying goes: "Death is the painful truth, and life is the beautiful lie."

 

Historically, horror has had an educational purpose, warning against certain behaviors while cautioning about the consequences of others. A notable example comes from the Brothers Grimm and their written accounts of European fairy tales. These stories often carried moral lessons, sometimes using dark and frightening imagery to deter harmful actions. Another significant example can be found in the holy books of monotheistic religions, which caution against sinful behavior through the promise of divine punishment. These texts often describe horrifying fates for wrongdoers, such as being cast into an underworld and tormented by monstrous beings.

 

This historical perspective highlights horror’s value to humanity. It not only serves as entertainment but also as a tool for introspection, moral guidance, and a deeper appreciation for life itself. Horror, in its various forms, has always been an integral part of cultural storytelling, connecting people with existential truths while inspiring awe and reflection.

 

The Theme of Horror

Horror has been an integral part of storytelling since ancient times, evolving within art and culture in countless forms. It holds significant depth and has become an important aspect of human nature for many reasons. Horror affects us profoundly as individuals—it’s not merely a trivial experience. It teaches us to grow stronger, wiser, and braver. It shows us how to deal with danger and understand the consequences of our actions when left unchecked.

 

Humans are naturally drawn to the unknown and have an innate desire to understand it. A major component of horror is the unknown and the mystery that lies within it. At its core, human curiosity drives us to explore and seek answers to our questions. Horror also has a spiritual dimension: where there is light, there is also darkness, and vice versa. The theme of horror often sheds light on how humans navigate life and death, offering perspectives on these profound experiences.

 

This connection is evident across different belief systems, where horror frequently manifests through depictions of desolate landscapes and terrifying creatures, such as demons. These elements of horror in religious contexts reflect humanity’s ongoing exploration of existential questions, providing moral lessons and insight into the duality of light and darkness. As a result, horror not only entertains but also enriches our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

 

 

The Many Faces of Horror

Horror encompasses a wide range of themes and has been a part of human storytelling since the earliest tales were told. Today, the theme thrives in various forms of art, literature, films, games, and more. Over the past century, horror has undergone significant evolution, with humanity seeking new expressions of fear by blending the theme with science.

 

In modern horror, there is often a cautionary message—a warning to remain humble and wary of the consequences of hubris. A prime example of this is the fear surrounding Artificial Intelligence, where AI might take over the world, enslave humanity, or even cause human extinction. This blend of horror and scientific advancement reflects the genre's core principle: Beware!

 

Horror, in this sense, serves not only to frighten but also to provoke thought. It challenges us to consider the potential dangers of our own creations and actions, reminding us of the fine line between progress and peril. Through its many forms, horror continues to hold a mirror to humanity, urging us to proceed with caution as we venture into the unknown.

 

 

Process

I began this project with an exploration of the theme of horror, focusing on its underlying purpose and the emotions it evokes. This involved researching various horror artists in visual arts, religious contexts, and fairy tales that incorporate horror elements. After my initial research, I started creating sketches of the environment and assessing what would work best in VR while remaining feasible.

 

Based on feedback from my instructors, I decided to concentrate my research on a single artist, ultimately choosing the works of Zdzisław Beksiński as the main thread of inspiration for the project.

 

My goal was to create an environment that felt as though it emerged from a horror story, but with a certain beauty to its composition. I envisioned users exploring the environment with a VR headset, allowing them to immerse themselves in a space with plenty of opportunities for discovery. My initial focus was to design and refine the environment using the elements I had at hand.

 

At the start of the project, I intended to focus solely on a 3D environment with some animations. However, after receiving feedback from my instructors, who wanted to see more game-like elements due to the focus on game design within the program, I revisited my project plan. I began considering how to make the project more interactive while preserving the atmosphere I aimed to create. This shift meant dedicating time not only to the artistic side but also to designing a 3D level and programming game mechanics, all of which would contribute to the overall mood of the experience.

 

With a fresh perspective, I found the idea of a maze particularly intriguing. VR environments lend themselves well to this concept, and I was inspired by the large maze in front of the LUCA Arts C-Mine campus. With the maze idea, I knew I wanted to give users a sense of being lost and a persistent feeling of unease. Ideas flowed quickly, and I immediately began developing this new vision with renewed enthusiasm for the project.

 

I promptly started sketching various ideas for the maze, paying special attention to elements such as rotating walls. This led to designing multiple routes that all eventually guide the player to the end. Through these sketches and concepts, I worked on creating a maze that is immersive, atmospheric, and rich in opportunities for exploration.

 

 

My Vision

 

For this project, I created several 3D models in Blender, which I will refine to make them more realistic. Additionally, I will use the Unity game engine to set up the game so it can be played in VR with the Oculus Quest 2.

 

The reason I chose VR is because I have a personal interest in it and want to further develop my skills in this area. VR works exceptionally well for creating immersion, allowing players with the VR headset to freely explore if they choose to. This aligns perfectly with the horror theme, as I want players to have the freedom to explore the environment and forget that it’s just a game. I even purchased a VR headset a year ago specifically because I want to do more with VR as a game designer and artist.