Liminal VR, the app known for its short immersive experiences designed to influence its users’ emotional states, is introducing a new series called Fear Arena.
As someone who has tried a VR horror game and quit at the first jump scare (looking at you Exorcism of the Legion!), I was apprehensive about experiencing the Fear Arena. Horror and terror are really not my preference in VR.
Fear Arena introduces what Liminal calls “recreational fear” – that is, fear that provides a level of enjoyment or thrill, like watching a horror movie or riding a roller coaster.
The introductory video explains how fear can create different emotional and psychological reactions, from anxiety to excitement, and finally relief.
“The aim of the Liminal Fear Arena is not maximum fear. It’s finding that sweet spot where fear and fun come together,” the company explains in the video.
Liminal Fear Arena
I explored Liminal’s initial offering in the Fear Arena, titled Wander. Liminal says Wander places the user amongst “the eerie sights, sounds, and scares in a dark and mysterious forest”.
Without giving too much away, I found the experience to be just the right mix of spooky environment and elements. I did have a few moments of unease and a jump scare, but I encourage even those like me, with a low tolerance for scary material, to explore it. It really strikes the right balance and the ending provides a satisfying conclusion.
Images from Wander, Liminal Fear Arena. Photos: Liminal VR
When I relayed my experience to Liminal co-founder Nick Busietta, he told me that was the balance they were seeking for Fear Arena. “We don’t want to terrorize people at the end of the day,” Busietta explained.
He also told me that their design philosophy places user safety and well-being at the center of what they do. Busietta recalled a prototype experience for Fear Arena that they ultimately decided not to release because it didn’t cross the threshold of what they consider to be a beneficial user experience.
It’s easy to scare, but much more difficult to balance the appropriate level of thrill and fear with a satisfying resolution that leaves the user feeling better than they did coming in.
Busietta said they are working on additional content for Fear Arena, with more expected to be released this fall.
He says he also sees the Liminal platform as capable of hosting a broader range of entertainment experiences, expanding beyond its psychological and neuroscience-based roots.
Liminal is available to download on Meta Quest. An annual subscription is $34.99 for full, unlimited access to their content, with a selection of experiences across their Arenas unlocked for free-tier users.
