The Scourge: Stunning 3D Graphics from Vietnamese Game Publisher

Vietnamese game publishers have rapidly developed, positioning themself among Southeast Asia’s most vibrant gaming markets. Ranked fifth in the region, its revenues are anticipated to surpass $500 million, with mobile gaming as a major contributor. Meanwhile, the country is home to over 430,000 publishers, and its games now account for roughly one out of every 25 global downloads, such as The Scourge (Bóng Ma). Continue reading to discover more!

Vietnamese Game Publisher Development

The growth of Vietnamese game publishers stems from a strong foundation established in the 1990s, when LAN gaming and internet cafes began to shape Vietnam’s gaming culture. The industry has continued to expand, benefiting from a talented and young workforce as well as recent government support. Meanwhile, initiatives such as the Vietnam Game Alliance are helping the industry address regulatory concerns and promote sustainable development in areas like licensing, taxation, and anti-piracy​. Despite regulatory challenges, such as the temporary restrictions placed on gaming in the past, Vietnam’s strategic location, young demographic, and growing expertise make it an appealing market for local and international game publishers alike.

The Trend of Horror Games in Vietnam

The horror game trend in Vietnam has seen significant growth, fueled by a young and tech-savvy audience that enjoys thrilling and immersive gaming experiences. This trend then reflects both global influences and local culture, resulting in a unique mix of themes, genres, and styles. Below are the key aspects of the horror game trend in Vietnam.

Integration of Local Horror Themes

Many Vietnamese horror games incorporate local myths, ghost stories, and folklore. These games often feature traditional spirits, legends, and rural superstitions, which make them more relatable to the local players and intriguing to international audiences seeking something different. For example, games often involve “ma” (ghosts) and elements tied to ancestor worship, grounding the horror experiences in Vietnamese beliefs and offering a culturally authentic atmosphere.

Growth of Independent Vietnamese Game Developers

The Vietnamese game publishers are flourishing, with numerous studios and independent creators gaining recognition for their innovative approaches to horror. Although working with smaller budgets, the publisher focuses on strong narratives, atmospheric visuals, and creative gameplay. Furthermore, games like The Scourge, which explores Vietnamese supernatural elements, are examples of how local studios are drawing from traditional themes to create distinctive and memorable experiences.

Global Horror Game Influence

Popular international horror franchises such as Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Outlast have a large following in Vietnam, influencing both players’ preferences and local developers. This is reflected in the Vietnamese gaming scene’s emphasis on psychological horror, survival mechanics, and exploration-based gameplay. Hence, social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook Gaming play a key role in spreading horror game trends, as players and streamers share their experiences, helping to fuel the genre’s popularity.

Streaming and Community Culture

Watching horror games being streamed live has become a significant trend, as it allows viewers to share in the excitement of the game. Thus, Vietnamese streamers often react to jump scares and plot twists, enhancing the horror experience and creating a shared sense of thrill. Simultaneously, platforms such as YouTube, Facebook Gaming, and Nimo TV host these streams, providing a space for gamers to connect, discuss horror games, and discover new releases.

Popularity of Mobile Horror Games

With mobile gaming on the rise in Vietnam, there is growing demand for mobile horror games. These titles often offer shorter play sessions and simpler mechanics compared to console or PC games, but still manage to deliver chilling experiences through eerie sound design and engaging storytelling. Thus, Vietnamese publishers frequently release mobile horror games with streamlined controls and quicker gameplay, catering to players looking for fast but intense horror moments.

Potential for AR and VR Horror Experiences

Though still emerging, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) horror games hold promise in Vietnam, especially among tech enthusiasts. These immersive technologies elevate horror games to a whole new level, offering a more realistic experience based on local legends and haunted places. As Vietnam’s gaming industry continues to grow, it’s likely that local horror games would become even more sophisticated, blending cutting-edge technology with rich cultural narratives, and potentially positioning Vietnam as a hub for unique and immersive horror game experiences globally.

Get to Know about The Scourge

The Scourge is a product from Rare Reversee (indie Vietnamese game publisher) that immerses players in the haunting world of 1990s Saigon. Kindly access it through Steam. The protagonist, Nhat Huy, a troubled university student, confronts paranormal and psychological horrors rooted in his family’s dark secrets within an ominous apartment complex. Blending survival horror with psychological depth, The Scourge explores themes of guilt, family trauma, and supernatural menace​.

Moreover, players navigate eerie environments and solve intricate puzzles that reveal Huy’s past, leading him to face a terrifying final entity representing his deepest fears. The game’s atmosphere is enhanced by meticulously crafted 3D visuals that depict the haunting essence of Saigon during this period. Every aspect, from aging furniture to peeling wallpaper, is designed to create an unsettlingly realistic setting that immerses players. The dim, narrow hallways, and shadowed corners add to the claustrophobic atmosphere, heightening the sense of unease as players move through the space.

As part of a rising wave of Vietnamese horror games, The Scourge then has gained recognition, notably at Gamescom Asia 2023, for bringing Vietnamese folklore and urban horror to an international audience​.

The Tips to Play The Scourge

Each game has a different treatment to play. Knowing it then would be beneficial to enhance the experience. How about The Scourge, a product from a Vietnamese game publisher? Let’s dive in!

Understand the Background and Setting

The game is narrative-focused, often set in haunted Vietnamese locations like deserted houses or schools, revealing a story rooted in folklore. You’ll uncover pieces of the plot through environmental hints, flashbacks, and documents you encounter. In the meantime, exploration is vital. Check each room and space carefully to collect items that might be useful for solving puzzles or unlocking paths. Items include keys, ritual objects, or clues that deepen the story.

Get Comfortable with the Controls

Take time to learn the basic controls, typically similar to most first-person games (WASD for movement) with interaction buttons (often “E” or “F”) to pick up items, open doors, or read documents. Crouching, sprinting, and toggling your flashlight may also be essential to navigating carefully. Meanwhile, ghosts and spirits frequently appear, and some are hostile. Listen carefully for sounds that indicate a spirit’s presence and try to avoid direct contact. In some cases, items like talismans provide temporary protection.

Work Through Puzzles

The Scourge features puzzles often linked to Vietnamese cultural themes and rituals. Look for symbols, drawings, or inscriptions, as these provide clues. Use the items you find alongside the environment to advance.

Rely on Audio and Visual Clues

Sound design is crucial for immersion and often hints at nearby danger. Pay attention to sounds like footsteps, whispers, or sudden changes in music to anticipate spirits or threats. Furthermore, certain versions of the game limit your flashlight battery or lantern fuel, so be mindful when using them. Try to conserve your light source, as running out leads to difficult exploration.

Follow the Story Closely

The game typically has a multi-layered narrative. Read any notes or documents you find to fully grasp the story, as they might offer clues for handling spirits or completing puzzles. In addition, certain versions may have multiple endings depending on your choices or level of exploration. This feature enables you to encourage you to replay the game to discover hidden secrets or alternate outcomes.

Stay Calm and Keep Going

The Scourge horror games from Vietnamese game publishers often rely on suspense and psychological tension. Keep calm, think carefully when solving puzzles, and don’t let sudden scares hold you back.

Conclusion

Created by a Vietnamese game publisher, The Scourge has gained recognition for three main reasons. First, its visuals and storyline captivate players. This is further enriched by elements of local folklore and modern technological advances in the country. Are you ready to experience the horror?