We fear things that go bump in the night. In the absence of light or explanation, our minds are left to imagine the worst-case scenario. A chair can look like someone standing in the room. A mundane picture on the wall or a mirror can be gateways to a dark dimension. We fear the unknown but love diving head-first into it to reveal its secrets. That feeling of unease as we enter a dark room is the backbone of horror, and pokies have mastered it.
Instead of relying on jumpscares, slots use their backdrops and symbols for environmental storytelling. The best games set you on edge with small details. A bloody handprint on the wall of a long, seemingly abandoned alley lets you know this area isn’t safe. Other titles are more subtle with the creeping horror, like Immortal Romance. The suspense comes from slowly uncovering the dark tale of witches and vampires the developer cooked up.
Vampires are the kings of horror pokies, but they’re far from the only game in town.