Chasing the Rush: How horror games trigger adrenaline and fuel Fear-Inducing elements

Fear has been capitalized through horror video games, driving players to develop a craving for adrenaline-fueled fear, fostering fear-inducing elements, and leading to unhealthy behavioral patterns. This study examined how fear and adrenaline are triggered in horror video games, influencing play intention and actual gameplay, and how these experiences contribute to fear-inducing elements analyzed based on their stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) aspects. The objective was to determine significant predictors of actual gaming of horror video games by analyzing data from 1,015 valid players using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach with SOR-based analysis. Findings revealed that fear-inducing elements strongly influenced psychological response and emotional value. In contrast, game design elements primarily impacted perceived control and play intention. It was revealed that both psychological and physiological responses contribute to emotional value, while cognitive processing played a more dominant role than physiological arousal in shaping emotional impact. In accordance, play intention strongly predicts actual gameplay, but excessive fear-inducing elements can reduce actual gameplay. These results highlight the need for game designers and developers to balance fear elements with adaptive difficulty, strategic pacing, and perceived control to enhance immersion while being physiologically, and psychologically safe. Horror game players can use these insights to manage their expectations and experiences effectively. For gaming industry marketers and publishers, responsible promotion of horror games should emphasize thrilling engagement and psychological safety, ensuring sustainable and innovative gaming practices.