NBCUniversal has launched a new game in Meta Horizon Worlds inspired by Halloween Horror Nights, the eerie event at Universal’s theme parks.
Meta’s virtual reality (VR) haunted house experience dropped on 13 October. In the VR adaptation of Halloween Horror Nights‘ fan-favourite haunted house ‘Scarecrow: The Reaping’, crows have “overtaken what remains of a once flourishing farm”, Meta said in a blog post.
“These creepy guardians reap havoc on anyone who dares to trespass, tagging players to diminish their life in the game – three tags and you’re dead,” Meta added.
“You’ll venture into a mysterious, abandoned house, explore sinister rooms, and find keys while trying your best to make it out alive.”
NBCUniversal has also teamed up with Meta on another new game for Horizon Worlds called Universal Monsters Arena, launching on 20 October.
In this game, teams of players become one of six iconic movie monsters – Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Wolf Man, the Bride of Frankenstein, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
“Each has a unique set of attacks and role to play on the team. Whether you’re the Tank, Support, or Damage Dealer, your team needs you to have their back and bring your A-game when you step into the arena,” said Meta.
“Epic battles are about to take place in Dracula’s lair, the village of Frankenstein, and the Mummy’s tomb.”
John Murdy, creative director and executive producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, recently spoke to blooloop about the bloodcurdling and burgeoning brand.
“It’s pretty amazing how much it’s grown. Universal CityWalk Hollywood now has a Halloween Horror Nights pop-up store. Hot Topic has an exclusive line of Horror Nights merchandise,” Murdy said.
Halloween Horror Nights outside of Universal parks
Additionally, Orlando International Airport’s Terminal B has opened an official Halloween Horror Nights “scare zone” selling themed merchandise.
Elsewhere, Universal Destinations & Experiences’ new year-round Halloween Horror Nights attraction at Area15 in Las Vegas was announced earlier this year.
“That’s being done by the part of Universal that I used to work for, Universal Creative,” Murdy said.
“But I did meet with the entire team and shared our knowledge of creating things. I’ve done over 100 of these haunted houses now in my career. So, I shared with them how we do it, the systems we put together to create and produce this.”
Images courtesy of NBCUniversal and Meta
