“Exit 8” Poster
The concept of liminal space horror has been all the rage in the 2020’s, one that can be traced back to a single photo posted on 4chan in 2019 that kick started The Backrooms phenomenon. Essentially about the feeling of dread and unease created through experiencing transitional spaces when stripped of their usual activity – think empty airports, hotel corridors, or stairwells – for many the COVID 19 pandemic made the concept of liminal space a reality as whole countries were told to stay home. When the pandemic was over American YouTuber Kane Parsons made a Backrooms short film, the popularity of which gradually grew into a 25-episode web series, and eventually a feature length theatrically released movie in 2026.
In 2023 independent Japanese video game developer Kotake Create also decided to get in on the liminal space action, creating a game called Exit 8, which can best be described as a game of spooky spot the difference. For full disclosure I’ve never played the game, however the concept of it is a simple one – the player is a character trapped in an endlessly looping subway tunnel, and to escape, each time Continue reading
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