When Larian Studios’ CEO, Swen Vincke, addressed The Game Awards, he advised game developers to create games they personally wish to play. This advice resonates with Daniel Knight, the CEO of Kinetic Games, who faced scarcity in the market for co-op horror puzzle games.

“I did not find a game that I wanted to play, so I took matters into my own hands,” Knight conveys in an interview conducted at the Summer Game Fest.

He expressed his motivations: “I grew impatient waiting for something to be released. I constantly browsed the Steam store but found nothing appealing. So, I decided to develop it myself.

Oddly enough, Phasmophobia found its success not only due to its timeliness during the pandemic but also through its unique approach to the horror genre. Knight acknowledges that initially, he had intended to design a VR puzzle experience before integrating the paranormal elements.

The game now offers both a VR and non-VR experience, ensuring accessibility for players without VR equipment, which has contributed to its widespread appeal.