Horror games have a way of evolving, always finding new ways to crawl under players’ skin and keep them on edge. Eyes Never Wake, an upcoming indie horror game, is the latest title to take things a step further — by using your own webcam against you. In this game, hiding isn’t just a matter of pressing a button. You have to physically duck under your desk in real life to avoid the monster hunting you.
Yes, you read that right.
Developed by Allan Hedlund, Eyes Never Wake builds on the growing trend of horror games using real-world mechanics to increase immersion. We’ve already seen how voice detection in games like Phasmophobia and Lethal Company forces players to stay silent or risk getting caught.
But this? This takes it to another level. In a gameplay demonstration, players can be seen scanning their face into the game, then navigating a dark, eerie labyrinth filled with disturbing, glitching walls and hidden secrets. The real terror kicks in when the monstrous entity appears. If it sees your face on the webcam, it’s game over. The only way to survive? Physically ducking out of view.
Understandably, the use of a webcam in a horror game raises concerns about privacy. But the developer has already addressed this, confirming that no data is uploaded or stored. The webcam simply tracks if your face is visible, and streamers — including VTubers — can opt out of displaying their face while still using the feature.
For those uncomfortable with any webcam use, Eyes Never Wake offers a way to play without it, though details on how that works are still unclear.
Think you can just cover the webcam and cheat your way to victory? Think again. Blocking the camera disables movement entirely, meaning the only way to avoid the monster is to properly hide — just like you would if something truly terrifying was lurking nearby. This forces players to engage with the game in a physical, immersive way, making it a standout in the horror genre.
While it remains to be seen if Eyes Never Wake will live up to its terrifying premise, the concept alone is already grabbing attention.
The game is currently available for wishlisting on Steam, and for those who think they’re brave enough, this might just be the next big thing in horror. You can watch the new trailer for the game below.
