The Outlast series has delivered a unique brand of visceral horror for 13 years, captivating over 50 million players. Despite its success, Red Barrels co-founder Philippe Morin admits he's baffled as to why the specific blend of intense gore and combat-free gameplay hasn't inspired more imitators.
While games like Resident Evil 7, Harvester, and Agony have featured gruesome elements, none have managed to match Outlast's continued success or its distinctive approach to horror. Morin echoed this sentiment, stating, "Honestly, I don't know. Sometimes I ask myself the same thing, but I'm glad that we're still different from other games because it can be so hard."
He notes the crowded market of games released on platforms like Steam annually, making differentiation a significant challenge for developers. "There's thousands games coming out on Steam every year. So that's a lot of other games people can decide to spend time with," Morin observed. Red Barrels itself occasionally spots titles that seem poised to follow in Outlast's footsteps, but thus far, no game has replicated its particular impact. Morin attributes this partly to the absence of combat and the high level of gore.
The difficulty, Morin suggests, lies in striking a delicate balance. Red Barrels has consistently navigated the fine line between outrageous horror and gratuitous violence, a feat that might be too risky or complex for many studios.
"We're happy to be part of a niche and be successful within that niche," Morin stated. He emphasized that the studio does not aim to broaden its appeal by diluting the core experience of an Outlast game. If a more mass-market approach were ever pursued, Red Barrels would likely do so under a different intellectual property. This strategy allows the studio to remain focused on what makes Outlast games unique without compromising their identity for wider commercial success.