The Darkening – Survival Horror

Set in the Red River Gorge, this standalone horror experience combines first-person, point & click, and 2D/2.5D gameplay. Developed by Periltek, the creators of The Red. Each episode can be downloaded individually through a live story system, letting players experience it like a show or anthology, uncovering journals and character backstories from multiple perspectives.

Core Gameplay Loop
Explore, prepare, survive, uncover lore.
  • Explore realistic environments: home, nature, landmarks
  • Prepare for camping trips: inventory, vehicle, campsite
  • Survive "The Darkening" using light mechanics and movement
  • Uncover lore & personal stories through interactive objects and NPCs
Narrative Structure
Prologue and episodic story progression.
  • Prologue: Player prepares for camping in Rockford apartment
  • Visit Bryant’s Outdoor Goods for supplies
  • Level progression with escalating horror events
  • Interactive objects reveal personal & regional lore
The Event: "The Darkening"
Dusk event changes everything.
  • Wildlife panic, eerie bird calls
  • Radio emergency broadcast, distant screams
  • Darkness spreads like a sentient force
  • Light becomes the only sanctuary
Light Mechanics
Sanctuary zones, light bleed, adaptive AI.
  • Sanctuary Zones: Lighted areas protect the player
  • Light Bleed: Excess light attracts darkness
  • AI Behavior: Stalker, Mimic, Helper, Environmental
  • NPCs may help or betray
Systems & Mechanics
Inventory, camp simulation, mobile episodic content.
  • Inventory & Prep: Items affect survival, limited space & weight
  • Camp Simulator: Tent setup, fire management, cooking, radio use
  • Mobile Version: Episodic content via Unity Addressables, point & click interface
Lore & Worldbuilding
Environmental storytelling, immersive history.
  • Museum of the Red: RRG history & folklore
  • Deep Red Mine: Subterranean mystery
  • Brochures & Radios: Environmental storytelling
  • Apartment Objects: Personal history & emotional grounding
Art & Atmosphere
Visual style, sound, immersive UI.
  • Visuals: Realistic with stylized lighting
  • Sound: Nature ambiance, radio static, distant chaos
  • UI: Minimalist diegetic interfaces (phone, radio, journals)
Release Plan
Phased rollout across mobile, PC, and console.
  • Phase 1: Mobile episodic prequel
  • Phase 2: Full PC release (HD, expanded mechanics)
  • Phase 3: Console adaptation (TBD)