Stuff You Should Know Night Trap: The Video Game Failure that Changed the Industry
May 27, 2021
Dive into the unexpected tale of a 90s video game that failed commercially but forever altered the gaming landscape: Night Trap. Explore its controversial reception and the cultural shifts it triggered, including the formation of a video game ratings board. Uncover the challenges faced by its creators, from narrative transformation to marketing struggles. Reflect on its comedic legacy and the broader societal debates it sparked regarding media violence. This quirky adventure highlights the resilience of developers and the game's surprising comeback in the modern era.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Night Trap's Fame
- Chuck Bryan learned about Night Trap from the Netflix documentary series High Score.
- The series, while light and fun, wasn't comprehensive and sometimes goofy.
Origins in Theater
- Night Trap's concept originated from a 1981 play called Tamara by John Krizank.
- Tamara, set in a multi-floor building, allowed the audience to move between rooms and scenes, similar to Sleep No More.
Interactive Surveillance
- Night Trap features pseudo-vampires called Augers as antagonists.
- Jim Riley, the game's creator, envisioned an interactive experience inspired by security camera footage and Tamara.