Silent Hill: Townfall’s dev team wrecked old TVs with magnets to make its in-game gadget feel real
Silent Hill: Townfall’s development team at Screen Burn created an authentic in-game device called the CRTV, which functions similarly to the series’ iconic radio mechanic. The gadget alerts players to nearby enemies before they appear visually, provides directional clues, and helps solve environmental puzzles.
To achieve genuine authenticity, the developers used real broken television sets and magnets during development. Most notably, the static and fuzziness displayed on the CRTV’s small screen aren’t digital simulations—they’re actual footage captured from real CRT televisions. Writer and director Jon McKellan explained that this approach ensures the gadget feels as analogue as it looks.
This commitment to authenticity demonstrates Screen Burn’s dedication to creating immersive, tactile experiences grounded in genuine technology rather than relying solely on digital recreation. The CRTV represents a thoughtful evolution of Silent Hill’s traditional radio mechanic, expanding its gameplay utility while maintaining the series’ signature atmospheric tension.