The gaming industry in Indonesia continues to show encouraging progress. Many Indonesian game developers are trying to create games that can attract the attention of players, one of which is a horror theme game full of jumpscares.
Several works from Indonesia have been recognized by gamers around the world and have successfully competed in the global gaming industry, even winning awards at the international level.
Although the quality of our local products is not inferior to products from abroad, there are still many Indonesians who do not know about it. Most markets in Indonesia are more interested in foreign products.
The horror genre is one of the most popular types of games made in Indonesia and is very popular in the global market. The reason behind this popularity is because there are many mythologies that can be brought up and packaged in an interesting way, thus attracting the attention of people from abroad.
Indonesian Horror Games
The following are recommendations for horror games made in Indonesia that are fun and suitable for you to play on Halloween to challenge your courage!
1. Jurit Malam: Kost 1000 Pintu
The latest local horror game is ready to test the courage of gamers in Indonesia. With the title Jurit Malam: Boarding House 1000 Doors, this mobile game made by Gambir Studio was officially released on Friday Kliwon, June 7, 2024.
This game tells the story of Suci, a student who just moved to a small town and chose a cheap boarding house that turned out to be haunted. Suci encounters various apparitions with their own stories. Players are challenged to investigate the boarding house and must turn back if they find supernatural oddities for their own safety.
If players don’t find any anomalies, they must continue to explore the endless interior of the boarding house. By continuing to play and finding anomalies, they can uncover the mystery, horror and tragedy behind each room of the boarding house.
2. Pamali: Indonesian Folklore Horror
The word “Pamali” comes from the Sundanese language, which means something that should be respected and should not be violated. The game titled Pamali: Indonesian Folklor Horror was released by StoryTale Studios in 2018.
Pamali is a horror game inspired by Indonesian mystical legends, such as Kuntilanak, Pocong, Tuyul, and Leak. The game packs a story with a detective feel, using a collection of emails from correspondents who have experiences with the supernatural. Through independent research into other realms, Pamali presents a storytelling that feels real, especially for Indonesians, as the themes raised are often considered “taboo” to be told.
3. Jurig Escape
Jurig Escape game, released in 2022 with its developer by Ozysoft is a game that tests your logic by solving puzzles in a world full of mystery. This Indonesian horror game is very suspenseful. You will follow the adventures of a high school girl who tries to uncover the reason behind the many ghosts in her school.
During the game, you’ll encounter creepy local ghosts, such as pocong, kuntilanak, and tuyul. Get ready to feel the tension! Interestingly, you only need to use your phone’s camera to exorcise the ghosts.
4. DreadOut
This Indonesian horror game has gained popularity all over the world. There have been three DreadOut series released, namely DreadOut, DreadOut Keepers of The Dark, and DreadOut 2. Released by Digital Happiness in 2014, this game features typical Indonesian ghost characters such as sundel bolong, kuntilanak, and pocong.
DreadOut is a survival horror game that follows the story of Linda, a high school student, and her friends who are trapped in a deserted town whose inhabitants are ghosts. Interestingly, you only need to use the camera to chase the ghosts away.
5. Nightmare Side
Nightmare Side: The Game, which was originally set to release on May 30, 2024, has been delayed by Hige Studio to make improvements. Now, Hige Studio has announced that the Full Release version is available on Steam for PC.
Indonesian horror game, Nightmare Side: The Game, is set in the office of Radio Ardan station in Bandung. Based on a radio show that has long captured the attention of the community with spooky stories from real-life locals, the game aims to translate the iconic experience of the show into a video game format, while preserving and popularizing local urban legends.
6. Jurnal Malam: Bestfriend
The latest Indonesian horror games from RiMa Studio releases on May 7, 2024. The story follows two friends, Afdal and Rahmad. One night, Rahmad asks Afdal to look after his house, but during that time, horrific terrors begin to plague Afdal.
You can play the character of Afdal in this game, and the experience will be different than when you play Rahmad. There will be a lot of tension as you play Afdal, and you’ll need to be ready to face your fears.
7. Keramat
This horror game titled Keramat is developed by Haunted Zone Entertainment and takes place in a famous haunted village. In this game, you will play as Bulan, a girl who lives in the village of Rawa Angker, which is full of ghostly figures.
Although it’s hard to find on the official website, this game offers an in-depth story and authentic horror experience with an interesting Indonesian village setting. Keramat is worth checking out!
8. Ghost Parade
In 2018, Lentera Studio and Aksys Games released a horror game called Ghost Parade. The game offers a creepy yet colorful experience, with the characters of Suri and her friends adding depth to the story. Ghost Parade is available on Steam.
This game tells the story of a ghost named Suri who must go through the forest to return home. During her journey, Suri will face various challenges. In order to return, she will need to harness the power of the other ghosts.
9. DreadEye
Game developer Digital Happiness has launched DreadEye after the success of DreadOut. In this Indonesian-made horror game, you’ll play the role of a shaman.
The main task of the player is to concoct potions that you will later use in ghost summoning rituals. This game is unique from others because you can play it using VR goggles. That way, the pocong, tuyul, and genderuwo figures feel much more real!
10. Pulang Insanity
Ozysoft, an indie developer, launched a game called Homecoming: Insanity with a first-person perspective. This game was released in 2005.
The main character in this story is Rudi, who is trapped in a lot of debt. One day, one of his friends invites him to perform a ritual that requires human sacrifice. During the game, you’ll solve puzzles in a creepy village to stop the ceremony and find a way to repent.
11. The Forgotten Villages of Gondomayit 2 – Kost Karangsari
The Forgotten Villages of Gondomayit 2 is a horror game that originated in Indonesia. The story in this game focuses on a young man named Bagas, who gets a challenge from his friends to explore a village that has been abandoned by its inhabitants.
Bagas arrives in a village and has a tense, mystical experience. He must explore the village to solve the mystery. The game, which was released in March 2024, offers an interesting storyline, but there are still many bugs that must be fixed by the developers.
12. Motte Island
Motte Island is an adventure game that also contains elements of horror. In this game, the player assumes the role of a big brother trying to save his little sister from a menacing evil plan.
In general, Motte Island offers quite an interesting gaming experience. However, unfortunately, there are some players who dislike the 2D visual style implemented in this game.
Those are the recommendations for Indonesian horror games that are no less exciting than other horror games. Have you ever tried it?
