Red Barrels’ co-founder is just as confused as we are as to why no one’s tried to replicate Outlast’s success: ‘Honestly, I don’t know’
Red Barrels’ co-founder has expressed bewilderment at why the gaming industry has failed to capitalize on Outlast’s proven formula. The franchise, which has attracted over 50 million players across its 13-year history, has become synonymous with extreme gore and grotesque imagery in horror gaming, yet few competitors have attempted to directly replicate its success.
While other horror games with significant graphic content exist—such as Resident Evil 7, Harvester, and Agony—none have managed to combine the same level of visceral imagery with sustained commercial and critical success. The observation highlights a curious gap in the competitive horror landscape, where despite Outlast’s demonstrated viability and loyal player base, the genre has largely moved in different directions rather than attempting to compete directly with Red Barrels’ camera-focused survival horror approach.