The horror gaming genre has undergone remarkable transformation over the past few decades, evolving through various iterations. From early text-based narratives to the cinematic embrace of fixed-camera survival horror, and expanding into engaging third-person action experiences, the genre continually adapts. While the parameters of what constitutes a horror game may seem ambiguous, they typically emphasize the element of fear, characterized by unsettling environments, haunting soundtracks, and creatively terrifying monster designs.
In recent years, a unique sub-genre known as “cute”horror has emerged and gained traction. These games blend the traditional elements of horror—such as spooky atmospheres and chilling sound effects—with a visually appealing aesthetic featuring charming character designs and vibrant settings. This combination creates a disarming yet thrilling experience for players. With the gaming industry’s forward momentum, 2025 is poised to be a significant year for cute horror titles, introducing new adventures and innovative gameplay.
Anticipated Cute Horror Games in 2025
Introducing The Midnight Walk
From the creative minds behind the acclaimed 2021 title, Lost in Random, comes The Midnight Walk. This game adopts a whimsical homemade style, utilizing real clay models to craft its environments and monsters, resulting in a captivating stop-motion animation experience. Recently showcased during Sony’s February State of Play, The Midnight Walk has garnered attention for its distinctive visual charm.
For enthusiasts seeking deeper immersion, the game will also be available in virtual reality for PlayStation 5 and PC, enhancing the handcrafted horror experience.
The Legacy of Little Nightmares 3
The Little Nightmares franchise has been a trailblazer within the cute horror realm, and even amidst changes in development teams, its legacy continues. Following an acquisition by Embracer Group, Tarsier Studios, the original creators of the first two titles, stepped away from the series in 2021. However, publisher Bandai Namco retained the franchise’s rights and enlisted Supermassive Games—known for Until Dawn and the Dark Pictures Anthology—to develop Little Nightmares 3.
Revealed during 2023’s Gamescom Opening Night Live event, the upcoming title is set to introduce a cooperative two-player mode, a first for the series. Initially slated for release in 2024, Little Nightmares 3 has now been rescheduled for 2025, but the anticipation remains high. While expectations are formidable, preliminary footage suggests that Supermassive Games is poised to deliver a worthy sequel.
Exploring Reanimal
Adding to the competition, Tarsier Studios is also creating a spiritual successor to Little Nightmares titled Reanimal, which will feature similar aesthetic elements and cooperative gameplay. Officially announced in August 2024, it appears that Reanimal will not release this year, but if it doesn’t, horror fans can still eagerly await The Midnight Walk and Little Nightmares 3 in 2025.
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