History Main / MascotHorror

[[quoteright:350:[[VideoGame/FiveNightsAtFreddys https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fnaf_horror1.png]]]]

The recency and unusually specific nature of this genre, despite its numerous examples, derives from the heavy influence of ''VideoGame/FiveNightsAtFreddys'' (which started the trend in 2014) on the indie game scene. Similar trends to Mascot Horror are previously known from the [[SlasherMovie slasher films]] of the 1980s, and the {{creepypasta}}-based games of the early 2010s; both of these also revolved around a recognizable character to market their horror-based properties. In contrast to Mascot Horror however, these mascots are often unsettling or disturbing from the get-go, whereas Mascot Horror mascots, while sometimes also unsettling in appearance, tend to retain at least some semblance of the idea that they were once intended for children in-universe.

* Hidden lore: One of the most clear-cut inspirations from ''VideoGame/FiveNightsAtFreddys'', expect lots of [[JigsawPuzzlePlot hidden lore that can only be uncovered through environmental storytelling throughout the game or hidden in the code]]. Said hidden lore frequently involves themes of supernatural horror (especially with a cold, uncaring corporation) or family trauma, contrasting even further with the art style.

* The ''VideoGame/FiveNightsAtFreddys'' series: The TropeMaker and TropeCodifier, taking place in a Chuck-e-Cheese's-esque pizzeria with a tragic history. The player must survive five shifts while warding off the pizzeria's homicidal mascots.

Mascot Horror is still a genre primarily associated with video games, especially indie ones. However, the success of the genre has inspired works in other mediums to emulate the style of typical Mascot Horror games. Certain AnalogHorror series can be considered an extension of Mascot Horror, primarily those either [[WebAnimation/FiveNightsAtFreddysVHSRemake directly based on]] or [[WebAnimation/TheWaltenFiles inspired by]] [=FNAF=]. Other horror webseries not directly inspired by [=FNAF=], like ''[[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_pzeB4Xa6iZbPHHmvYWLg ChezzKids Archive]]'', could also be considered a form of Mascot Horror. These types of works are often more focused on the [[HumansAreTheRealMonsters stories of the people involved]], however, with the mascots playing more of a supplementary role even if they're still the biggest physical threat.

Mascot Horror is still a genre primarily associated with video games, especially indie ones. However, the success of the genre has inspired works in other mediums to emulate the style of typical Mascot Horror games. Certain AnalogHorror series can be considered an extension of Mascot Horror, primarily those either [[WebAnimation/FiveNightsAtFreddysVHSRemake directly based on]] or [[WebAnimation/TheWaltenFiles inspired by]] [=FNAF=]. Other horror webseries not directly inspired by [=FNAF=], like ''[[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_pzeB4Xa6iZbPHHmvYWLg ChezzKids Archive]]'', could also be considered a form of Mascot Horror. These types of works are often more focused on the [[HumansAreTheRealMonsters stories of the people involved]], however, with the mascots playing more of a supplementary role even if they're still the biggest threat.

Mascot Horror is still a genre primarily associated with video games, especially indie ones. However, the success of the genre has inspired works in other mediums to emulate the style of typical Mascot Horror games. Certain AnalogHorror series can be considered an extension of Mascot Horror, primarily those either [[WebAnimation/FiveNightsAtFreddysVHSRemake directly based on]] or [[WebAnimation/TheWaltenFiles inspired by]] [=FNAF=]. Other horror webseries not directly inspired by [=FNAF=], like ''[[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_pzeB4Xa6iZbPHHmvYWLg ChezzKids Archive]]'', could also be considered a form of Mascot Horror.

[[caption-width-right:350:''[[[[CuteIsEvil Aren't we brand-friendly?]]]]

[[caption-width-right:50:''[[[[CuteIsEvil Aren't we brand-friendly?]]]]

Mascot Horror is still a genre primarily associated with video games, especially indie ones. However, the success of the genre has inspired works in other mediums to emulate the style of typical Mascot Horror games. Certain AnalogHorror series can be considered an extension of Mascot Horror, primarily those either [[WebAnimation/FiveNightsAtFreddysVHSRemake directly based on]] or [[WebAnimation/TheWaltenFiles inspired by]] [=FNAF=]. Other horror webseries not inspired by [=FNAF=], like ''[[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_pzeB4Xa6iZbPHHmvYWLg ChezzKids Archive]]'', could also be considered a form of Mascot Horror.

Mascot Horror is still a genre primarily associated with video games, especially indie ones. However, the success of the genre has inspired works in other mediums to emulate the style of typical Mascot Horror games. Certain {{Analog Horror}} series can be considered an extension of Mascot Horror, primarily those either [[WebAnimation/FiveNightsAtFreddysVHSRemake directly based on]] or [[WebAnimation/TheWaltenFiles inspired by]] [=FNAF=]. Other horror webseries not inspired by [=FNAF=], like ''[[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_pzeB4Xa6iZbPHHmvYWLg ChezzKids Archive]]'', could also be considered a form of Mascot Horror.

Mascot Horror is still a genre primarily associated with video games, especially indie ones. However, the success of the genre has inspired works in other mediums to emulate the style of typical Mascot Horror games. Certain {{Analog Horror}} series can be considered an extension of Mascot Horror, primarily those either [[WebAnimation/FiveNightsAtFreddysVHSRemake directly based on]] or [[WebAnimation/TheWaltenFiles inspired by]] [=FNAF=]. Other horror webseries not directly based on FNAF, like ''[[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_pzeB4Xa6iZbPHHmvYWLg ChezzKids Archive]]'', could also be considered a form of Mascot Horror.

Although Mascot Horror is still a genre very much marked by video games, primarily indie ones, the success of the genre has inspired works in other mediums, particularly web animation. Certain {{Analog Horror}} series can be considered an extension of Mascot Horror, primarily those either [[WebAnimation/FiveNightsAtFreddysVHSRemake directly based on]] or [[WebAnimation/TheWaltenFiles inspired by]] [=FNAF=]. Other horror webseries not directly based on FNAF, like ''[[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_pzeB4Xa6iZbPHHmvYWLg ChezzKids Archive]]'', could also be considered a form of Mascot Horror.

* Hidden lore: One of the most clear-cut inspirations from ''VideoGame/FiveNightsAtFreddys'', expect lots of hidden lore that can only be uncovered through environmental storytelling throughout the game or hidden in the code. Said hidden lore frequently involves themes of supernatural horror (especially with a cold, uncaring corporation) or family trauma, contrasting even further with the art style.

* ''ARG/WelcomeHome'': An AlternateRealityGame revolving around a ''Series/SesameStreet''-like children's television series from the 70s that mysteriously disappeared from the airwaves, with a dedicated team of fans hoping to find and preserve the show... only to find the dark secrets behind why the show disappeared.

This type of indie horror game has become iconic since the mid-2010s. Instead of masses of enemies, an intangible terror, or an actively horrific threat, make the main terror be a recognizable, corporeal character (or group of characters) who, with some defanging, could easily be the mascots of a children's media franchise (and often ''are'' in-universe). This mascot essentially serves as a mascot for the game too, always showing up on the cover art, contrasting greatly with the dark, atmospheric cover art that most horror games have. In conjunction with this, add further allusions to the players' childhood by having references to recognizable childhood media (especially for late Millennial or Gen Z players).

The recency and unusually specific nature of this genre, despite its numerous examples, derives from the heavy influence of ''VideoGame/FiveNightsAtFreddys'' on the indie game scene. Similar trends to Mascot Horror are previously known from the [[SlasherMovie slasher films]] of the 1980s, and the {{creepypasta}}-based games of the early 2010s; both of these also revolved around a recognizable character to market their horror-based properties. In contrast to Mascot Horror however, these mascots are often unsettling or disturbing from the get-go, whereas Mascot Horror mascots, while sometimes also unsettling in appearance, tend to retain at least some semblance of the idea that they were once intended for children in-universe.

The recency and unusually specific nature of this genre, despite its numerous examples, derives from the heavy influence of ''VideoGame/FiveNightsAtFreddys'' on the indie game scene. Similar trends to Mascot Horror are previously known from the slasher films of the 1980s, and the creepypasta-based games of the early 2010s; both of these also revolved around a recognizable character to market their horror-based properties. In contrast to Mascot Horror however, these mascots are often unsettling or disturbing from the get-go, whereas Mascot Horror mascots, while sometimes also unsettling in appearance, tend to retain at least some semblance of the idea that they were once intended for children in-universe.

* A recognizable, ostensibly child-friendly mascot or group of mascots, serving both to market the game in real life and often also existing as a mascot in-universe to market an in-universe product/establishment. Almost always the antagonist aside from very few exceptions, and always the most iconic character(s) of the game.

** ''VideoGame/MeatlysStorageWorld'' is a short game that serves as a TakeThat towards modern Mascot Horror games, [[SelfParody from the creators of Bendy themselves]]. This includes running around an abandoned warehouse to search for clues and reading through notes that sarcastically talk vaguely about how the warehouse was once a happy place and is now full of horrors, all while running from a giant, monstrous version of the Meatly mascot.

** In conjunction, almost always expect a FeaturelessProtagonist, especially as most of these are in first-person.

* Themes of childhood in general, such as taking place from the point of view of someone who created said children's media, or is even a child themselves.

* ''VideoGame/ChooChooCharles'': A parody of ''WesternAnimation/ThomasAndFriends'', the player character must save an island being terrorized by the mascot: Charles, a demonic steam engine. Notably, this game trades a lot of the horror for balls-to-the walls insanity.

* ''VideoGame/GartenOfBanban'': The protagonist must explore Banban's Kindergarten to search for their missing children, while fending off the former mascots of the kindergarten, who have come to life and are trying to kill them.

Similar trends to Mascot Horror are previously known from the slasher films of the 1980s, and the creepypasta-based games of the early 2010s; both of these also revolved around a recognizable character to market their horror-based properties. In contrast to Mascot Horror however, these mascots are often unsettling or disturbing from the get-go, whereas Mascot Horror mascots, while sometimes also unsettling in appearance, tend to retain at least some semblance of the idea that they were once intended for children in-universe.

* References to popular childhood media, such as child-oriented products or establishments, especially those popular around the 1980s to the 2000s. Especially if the game is a SubvertedKidsShow.

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Index:VideoGameGenres