As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the iconic horror game Until Dawn, creative director Will Byles shares insights into its tumultuous development journey and lasting impact. Initially met with skepticism from Sony, the game defied expectations upon its August 2015 release, becoming a commercial success and winning a BAFTA. Byles reflects on how the team transitioned from working on a different horror project to developing Until Dawn's unique narrative structure, driven by player choices. With its combination of cinematic storytelling and interactive gameplay, Until Dawn redefined the horror genre in video games, blending suspenseful elements and character-driven narratives that have kept fans invested.

nWhat made Until Dawn a groundbreaking horror game?

Until Dawn was groundbreaking due to its innovative mechanic of player choices affecting the story's outcome, creating real stakes and emotional investment. The developers focused on crafting a narrative that subverted traditional horror tropes, allowing for a fresh take on the genre that resonated with audiences.

Until Dawn, developed by Supermassive Games, is a cinematic horror thriller that cleverly blends interactive storytelling with classic slasher film elements. Players navigate the story through the choices they make, affecting character fates and branching narratives. Its success led to a renewed interest in horror games, inspiring other titles and establishing Supermassive Games as a key player in delivering immersive narrative experiences. The game's cultural impact continues, evidenced by plans for remakes and adaptations in other media.