Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15291/sic/1.16.lc.3
Fear of the Unknown: ‘Negative Presence’ of Nature in the Pools Video Game
Lidija Stojanović
; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, North Macedonia
Kristina Dimovska
; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, North Macedonia
Abstract
The Finnish video game Pools (sometimes stylized as POOLS; a Tensori and UNIKAT label, 2024) is a game of the walking simulator and horror genre. It gives a first-person perspective of a labyrinth-like pool(s), with no conventional story with protagonists or antagonists. However, the sense of fear is undeniably present, which can be partly explained by the visible absence of humans and nature. We explore the so-called ‘negative presence of nature,’ which is defined as the absence of nature and its contribution to the sense of fear while playing. We attempt to explain how the absence of nature and the simulation of a “normal” yet visibly and obviously abnormal environment and surroundings, even the life/living/existing in the virtual world, contribute to a sense of uneasiness and dread. The main focus of the paper is on the Pools video game, but we also offer a comparison of Pools and Greenhouse (7D Games Studio, currently in development), especially the similarities in style and intended message..
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
343836
URI
Publication date:
21.12.2025.
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