Low Budget Horror: Can indie developers revive a failing genre?

There is a widespread perception that, much like a test subject sprouting a second limb, the mainstream horror scene has undergone a rather unwelcome metamorphosis. With surprisingly rare exception, the genre has drifted towards relentless action. Alan Wake is the perfect example: It may boast some of the trappings of horror, but it too often devolves into dull and repetitive gunplay.

Tellingly, Capcom producer Masachika Kawata has gone on the record with his belief that there isn’t a large enough market to support a big budget Resident Evil title focused purely on horror.

If the 600 Ib gorilla has been forced to compromise, is it it time to abandon all hope for the genre? Well, no, actually. There is a glimmer of hope and it resides on the PC, at the opposite end of the budgetary spectrum.