The phrase “games like escape the backrooms” refers to a subgenre of horror games that draw inspiration from the internet-born creepypasta of the same name. These games typically feature labyrinthine, liminal spaces with unsettling and often impossible architecture. An example would be a first-person exploration game where the player must navigate seemingly endless office corridors, avoiding lurking entities and solving puzzles to find an exit that may not exist.
The appeal of these experiences lies in their ability to evoke feelings of unease, isolation, and disorientation. The minimalist environments and subtle sound design create a pervasive sense of dread. These types of games capitalize on the inherent human fear of the unknown and the unsettling familiarity of mundane spaces twisted into something sinister. Their popularity also benefits from the shared cultural understanding of the “backrooms” concept, providing a pre-established framework for player expectations and engagement.
