Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Scream [1]

"Okay, how should I do this?"

My immediate concern with the music was its intensity—it was simply too strong. If I played it as it was, I feared it might trigger some sort of chaos.

'I might even get some people killed.'

Furthermore, I needed to make sure it wouldn't have enough of an effect to be noticed by those of the Guild.

Thankfully, I had already thought of a solution beforehand, and after several tests, I was sure I heading in the right direction as I leaned back onto my chair.

"Hoo... Thank god it works."

The key was in how clear the music was. The clearer the music was, the stronger its effect.

"In this case, if I can just hit the perfect ratio, I might be able to balance it—make it powerful enough to work, but subtle enough that it barely affects the person playing the game."

That was all I needed from this. The goal wasn't to make the players tear their faces apart—the aim was to lull them just enough, to ease their guard, so the jump scare could land with full force.

If it worked, I was sure it would scare even those who were familiar with scary situations.

Taking this factor into consideration, I looked through a long catalog of copyright free music and mixed the original soundtrack with a sound mix I found to fit the overall theme.

The piece played by the conductor wasn't exactly a great fit with the game. The music was classical in nature, and so it didn't mesh well with what I had developed.

Since that was the case, I decided to mix it with a more... intense soundtrack.

"Hmm."

But it was just as I was applying those changes that I stopped and stared at the computer in front of me.

The fan hummed violently as the heat from the processor transferred to my arms.

"Despite the changes, something still feels missing."

The game wasn't originally created to be played with the music, making it feel a little out of sync with the current game design.

There was also the fact that I couldn't play any music for very long, afraid it would trigger something. This made the development a little difficult.

In the end, I sat in silence, staring at my computer before groaning.

"...I need to change the game mechanics, don't I?"

I sighed to myself and checked the time. It was about 2:30 a.m.

My eyelids grew heavier by the second, and a wave of drowsiness washed over me. I hadn't slept in over 24 hours, and it was finally catching up to me.

I probably needed to get some sleep.

And yet...

"I'll get it later."

I continued to focus my attention on the game, making constant tweaks and adjustments.

Before I realized it, several more hours passed, and as I added the finishing touches to the framework of the game, I started to feel extremely tired.

But just before I fell asleep, I managed to transfer a copy to a USB stick. Only then did I finally head out, locking the door behind me.

"Huam."

Stepping out of the office space, I let out a long yawn, my eyelids so heavy I could barely keep them open.

It was still dark outside, but I could see people starting to come in. They looked a little hungover. Most likely from the rookie celebration party that was held to celebrate their first day at the Guild.

That was also the main reason why it had been so quiet last night.

Without thinking too much, I made my way towards the elevators and headed for my room.

I really needed to get some sleep.

It was a shame that I was so exhausted. Otherwise, I would've quickly noticed that the USB I had brought with me had slipped out of my pocket.

By the time I found out, it was already too late.

***

7 AM.

This was usually the time when the Guild's working hours started for those in the Containment Sector.

It was just like any regular office job.

"...Ugh, I'm so tired."

"Tell me about it. I hardly had any sleep last night. I was up all night drinking with the seniors."

"Just thinking about Senior Zoey and how she was able to drink so much without getting drunk still gives me chills."

"In that regard, I much prefer Senior Kyle. He's a lot milder..."

The new hires were the first to arrive at the Field Agent Area, their eyes heavy with exhaustion and their clothes slightly disheveled.

As new hires, they had no choice but to be the first to arrive. It was the proper etiquette they had to adhere to. If it hadn't been for the forced drinking the entire night, they likely would've been in a much better mood.

Setting their bags down, the new hires made their way to the kitchen tucked in the corner of the area, where they began preparing some instant coffee for themselves. This was the best the place offered.

"I wonder what they'll make us do today."

Lawrence, one of the new recruits, said as he poured hot water into the paper cup in his hands.

"...I hope we won't have to enter some gates today. I don't think I'll be sharp enough to survive."

"You should be good for today. We'll probably be forced to do some paperwork and research. I also saw a team of scouts head outside. I think we should be good for today."

"That's good."

His face twitched the moment he tried to take a sip of the coffee, quickly pulling it away from his mouth. "Ah, hot..." he muttered under his breath, silently cursing the coffee. He was about to say something else when, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a small black stick on the floor.

A file that read: [Seth's USB stick] appeared shortly after.

[Game.Dem]