DON’T SCREAM offers a unique twist on the horror game genre by focusing on player silence as a core mechanic. Using the Unreal Engine 5, this game simulates a fear experience reminiscent of 90s found-footage horror films, but with a simple, daunting challenge: do not scream. Players venture into the mysterious Pineview Forest, where they must navigate for 18 minutes without making a sound that the game’s sensitive microphone setup could interpret as a scream. The catch is that the timer only progresses when the player moves, adding a psychological element of tension as stillness halts progress, but movement risks triggering terrifying events.
The gameplay in DON’T SCREAM is ingeniously tied to the players’ ability to control their reactions. The game requires a microphone setup that captures every gasp, whimper, or sigh. These sounds could reset the game, forcing the player to start over. This mechanism adds a layer of difficulty that makes the game more intriguing and intense, as players must balance their need to progress with the need to remain calm and quiet. Randomized scary events ensure that no two playthroughs are the same, providing a fresh challenge each time.