Exploring the Dark Inspiration Behind Outlast's Sleep Room

Wednesday, 14 August 2024, 19:50

The Sleep Room in *The Outlast Trials* draws inspiration from real-life CIA mind-control experiments at McGill University in the 1960s. Featuring shocking stories of patients who endured electroshock therapy and LSD treatments, this historical context enriches the game's narrative. As a cooperative horror experience, *The Outlast Trials* continues to delve into themes of trauma and societal issues, demonstrating the significant influence of dark history on creative works. The realities of these experiments add a deeply unsettling layer to this iconic series.
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Exploring the Dark Inspiration Behind Outlast's Sleep Room

The Origins of The Outlast Trials

The Sleep Room in *The Outlast Trials* is inspired by actual events at the Allan Memorial Institute in Montreal, where the CIA's MK-Ultra program conducted mind-control experiments from 1957 to 1964.

Shocking Historical Context

  • Dr. Donald Ewen Cameron led traumatic procedures involving electroshock therapy and sensory deprivation.
  • Patients like Linda MacDonald endured extreme treatments, losing memories and identifying characteristics.
  • The name 'Sleep Room' is directly taken from the infamous location at McGill.

The Impact on The Outlast Series

The studio, Red Barrels, effectively channels this dark history into their game design, amplifying the horror experience.

Gameplay Elements

  • Players cooperate as 'Reagents' trapped in a facility run by the Murkoff Corporation.
  • The game introduces horrifying characters and scenarios inspired by real historical traumas.
  • As an innovative multiplayer horror experience, it enhances the fundamental *Outlast* gameplay of evading monsters.

Conclusion

By incorporating elements from historical atrocities, *The Outlast Trials* stands out as a rich narrative-driven horror game, compelling players to confront uncomfortable truths while navigating its chilling gameplay.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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