# Atmospheric Text-Based Horror Games Desert of Vice Combines Elements of Kafka and Lovecraft By Justin Lam | Published 2018-04-17 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desert-of-vice References: [indiegames](http://indiegames.com/2018/04/an_isolated_desert_town_is_hom.html) & [store.steampowered](http://store.steampowered.com/app/796370/Desert_of_Vice/) There's a true skill in creating horror through text, but Desert of Vice manages to accomplish this in its horrific text adventure. Inspired by the works of Franz Kafka and H.P. Lovecraft, this [text-based horror adventure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pathologic-3-quarantine) whisks players to a realm of [supernatural monstrosities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/total-chaos) that grip a small town. Players will be tasked with deciphering the mystery behind the horror and will need to explore the crumbling reality. Based on interactions players have with NPCs, they will reach one of six conclusions, not all of which offer up a happy ending. While the adventure and intrigue in Desert of Vice is handled through text, the game does feature art and music. The minimalist art style provides small glimpses into the world of the game and provides unsettling images to the monstrosities facing the player. This art style is backed up with an [eerie soundtrack](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/periphery-synthetic) that creates discomforting moods fit for the game's world. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Text-based Horror Games:** Opportunity to create immersive horror experiences through text-based games that engage players' imagination. - **Influence of Literature in Games:** Opportunity to incorporate literary elements and inspirations from well-known authors to enhance storytelling in games. - **Minimalist Art and Sound Design in Gaming:** Opportunity to utilize minimalist art and eerie soundtracks to create unsettling atmospheres in horror games. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming:** Disruptive innovation in the gaming industry by providing unique horror experiences through text-based games. - **Publishing:** Opportunity for publishers to explore collaborations with game developers in creating immersive narrative experiences in literature-inspired games. - **Music Production:** Opportunity for music producers to create eerie soundtracks tailored for horror games, enhancing the overall atmosphere and immersion. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Monstrous Horror Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/horror-video-games.md) - [Horror Animated Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scope-creep.md) - [Point-and-Click Escape Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/escape-room-phantom-train.md) - [Atmospheric Horror Adventure Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/end-of-abyss.md) - [Haunting Gaming Adventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hauntii-xbox-game.md) - [Immersive Horror Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyes-never-wake.md) - [Tabletop Horror Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-longest-rest.md) - [Horror Media Creation Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/content-warning.md) - [Dark Meditative Digital Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crow-country-game.md)