For the third year in a row, I’ve been scared out of my wits by a new Silent Hill game. This time, it’s Townfall, a quaint Scottish town crawling with demonic horrors. Silent Hill has not only survived, but thrived, with a mix of remakes and fresh takes. And when you combine it with the steady resurgence of Resident Evil, you have gaming’s two biggest horror franchises both at the height of their powers.

Resident Evil’s recent successes, beginning with 7 and continuing through Requiem, have shown that the series can still shock and awe. This year’s reboot of the film series, Resident Evil, was a bold and sometimes hilarious take on the franchise, with gore and horror merging in unexpected ways. The game industry is thriving, and both series are hitting a fresh stride at just the right time.

Silent Hill, after a period of dormancy, has returned with a bang. The 2 remake introduced a new audience to the most beloved title in the series, while F offered a fresh horror experience through its setting and more RPG-focused gameplay. Townfall pushes the boundaries further, blending exploration with stealth in a world where every shadow holds a threat. It plays out like a walking simulator, with a heavy emphasis on stealth and survival.

Both franchises’ success is a testament to the enduring power of survival horror. Whether through Townfall or the latest Resident Evil entry, the genre continues to captivate and terrify. It’s clear that for millions of players, the scares are just too good to give up.