Overview
Record everything, survive nothing. Outlast sent journalist Miles Upshur into Mount Massive Asylum with only a camcorder. Night vision drained batteries. Enemies couldn’t be fought—only fled or hidden from. The found-footage aesthetic and relentless intensity made it ideal for streaming, turning reactions into content and cementing its cultural presence.
Fast facts
- Developer: Red Barrels.
- Year: 2013.
- Protagonist: Miles Upshur.
- Tool: Camcorder with night vision.
Camcorder mechanics
| Feature | Function |
|---|
| Night vision | See in darkness |
| Battery drain | Resource tension |
| Recording | Narrative notes |
| Limited view | Framing horror |
Chase sequences
| Design | Effect |
|---|
| Set pieces | Intense pursuit |
| Scripted moments | Controlled scares |
| Hiding spots | Brief respite |
| Instant death | High stakes |
Asylum setting
| Element | Horror value |
|---|
| Institutional decay | Atmosphere |
| Patients | Unpredictable threats |
| Documentation | Story revelation |
| Isolation | No escape |
Streaming phenomenon
| Factor | Impact |
|---|
| Reaction content | Let’s Play appeal |
| Jump scares | Shareable moments |
| Accessibility | Easy to understand |
| Word of mouth | Viral spread |
Series expansion
| Title | Year | Setting |
|---|
| Outlast | 2013 | Mount Massive |
| Whistleblower (DLC) | 2014 | Prequel/sequel |
| Outlast 2 | 2017 | Rural cult |
| Outlast Trials | 2023 | Cold War |
See also