Feminist Frights in Horror Video Games

I love October because it’s the season for spooky vibes, perfect for thrilling gameplay! Is there a better time to explore the intersection of feminism and horror in video games? While horror as a genre tends to reflect societal fears, it also offers a unique lens to examine gender, identity, and representation in gaming. 

Horror games are more than just jump scares and creepy monsters. They often explore psychological themes and moral ambiguity. Many focus on the challenges of survival under pressure. These elements make horror a powerful genre for storytelling and challenging norms. Horror has historically leaned on gendered narratives, from the “damsel-in-distress” trope to the “final girl” archetype. But more and more, players and developers have begun to push back, creating space for more inclusive and empowering stories.

The “Final Girl” Reimagined

The “final girl” trope has long been a staple of horror films and games, with stories depicting a lone woman or girl who survives the horror and defeats the monster. While these stories can be empowering, they often come with unintended baggage. The final girl is usually morally pure and punished for stepping outside societal norms (i.e., only virgins survive). Games like Alien: Isolation flip this trope on its head. Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley (protagonist from the Alien franchise films), is an emotionally complex character who is resourceful and brave. Amanda does more than survive; she actively resists and outsmarts the horror around her.

Subverting Gender Roles

Some horror games challenge traditional gender roles by placing women in positions of power or by exploring themes of bodily autonomy and trauma. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice centers on a female warrior grappling with psychosis. The game doesn’t sensationalize her mental health, but provokes empathy and understanding. Meanwhile, indie games like Detention and Fran Bow use horror to explore the psychological impact of oppression and trauma. They subvert societal expectations and shine a light on the ways women and girls are exploited in patriarchal systems.

The Monster as Metaphor

In feminist horror, monsters often symbolize societal fears about women’s bodies and autonomy. Resident Evil Village features Lady Dimitrescu, a towering vampire matriarch who became an internet sensation. She’s a villain, but her popularity speaks to a hunger for powerful, complex female characters, even if they’re monstrous.

Similarly, Silent Hill 3 centers on Heather Mason, a teenage girl navigating a nightmarish world that reflects her inner turmoil and the trauma of forced motherhood. The game critiques patriarchal control and religious fanaticism through its disturbing imagery and plot. More than 20 years old, its themes still resonate today.

Representation Matters

Despite progress, horror games still struggle with representation. Black women, queer characters, and disabled protagonists are often absent or stereotyped. But change is happening. Games like Signalis, a sci-fi horror title featuring queer themes and a female protagonist, demonstrate that inclusive storytelling can thrive in the genre. However, Black women remain underrepresented in games. When they do appear, they’re often relegated to side characters or stereotypical roles. There’s a growing call for more intersectional representation with characters who reflect the full spectrum of identities and experiences within the gaming community. Games like Afterparty and its protagonist, Lola, are beginning to answer that call, but there’s still a long way to go in the horror genre specifically.

Take Action

At Super Heroines, Etc., we believe in using fandom to foster inclusive communities. Here are a few ways we can engage with feminist horror:

• Host a horror game night featuring titles with strong female leads or feminist themes.

• Start a discussion thread on our Discord or social media about horror tropes and representation.

• Share reviews of horror games that challenge norms or offer fresh perspectives.

• Create a spooky craft night inspired by feminist horror icons.

Horror games can be unsettling, but they can also be empowering. They give us space to confront fears, challenge norms, and imagine new possibilities. Let’s celebrate the feminist frights that make us scream while empowering us at the same time.

Now, excuse me while I go play Alice: Madness Returns to channel my rage at the patriarchy.