View source for Alone in the Dark (2024 video game)


 <!--Video game developed in Sweden-->
{{Infobox video game
| title = Alone in the Dark
| image = Alone in the dark 2022.jpg
| developer = Pieces Interactive
| publisher = [[THQ Nordic]]
| director = Mikael Hedberg
| producer = {{Unbulleted list|Claes Johansson<!-- Producer for Pieces Interactive -->|Michael Paeck<!-- Producer and executive producer for THQ Nordiq -->|Andreas Schmiedecker<!-- Producer for THQ Nordic -->}}
| programmer = Carl-Oscar Lönn<!-- Lead programmer -->
| designer = Magdalena Erlikson<!-- Lead designer -->
| artist = {{Unbulleted list|Rikard Ryberg<!-- Art director -->|Robin Koitzsch<!-- Lead artist -->}}<!-- Do not add Guy Davis: he is credited as a creature designer, but not a primary artist on the development team -->
| writer = Mikael Hedberg
| composer = {{Unbulleted list|Árni Bergur Zoëga<!-- Main composer -->|Jason Köhnen<!-- "The Doomjazz Recordings" composer -->}}
| series = ''[[Alone in the Dark]]''
| engine = [[Unreal Engine 4]]
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list||[[PlayStation 5]]|| [[Windows]]|| [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]}}
| release = 20 March 2024
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| genre = [[Survival horror]]
}}

'''''Alone in the Dark''''' is a 2024 [[survival horror video game]] developed by Pieces Interactive and published by [[THQ Nordic]]. It is a [[Video game remake|reimagining]] of the original 1992 ''[[Alone in the Dark (1992 video game)|Alone in the Dark]]'' and is the seventh installment in the [[Alone in the Dark|''Alone in the Dark'' series]]. The game features a single-player narrative set in the 1930s, where players can choose to play as Edward Carnby ([[David Harbour]]) or Emily Hartwood ([[Jodie Comer]]), as they make their way through Derceto Mansion to uncover the mysteries within.

''Alone in the Dark'' was released for [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]] on 20 March 2024. Upon release, the game received mixed reviews from critics and failed to meet the sales expectations of THQ Nordic's [[parent company]] [[Embracer Group]], which led to the closure of Pieces Interactive in June 2024.

== Gameplay ==
''Alone in the Dark'' features an "over-the-shoulder" [[Third-person view|third-person perspective]], doing away with the [[Virtual camera system#Fixed|fixed camera angles]] of the original. This is similar to the ''[[Resident Evil]]'' franchise, which also chose this presentation for their recent remakes. Combat is available with a firearm, or melee weapon as shown by the reveal trailer. Players can choose to play as Emily or Edward, both campaigns featuring different cutscenes and levels.<ref>{{Cite web |author=DanielD |date=20 March 2024 |title=Alone in the Dark Offers a "Delightful Sense of Matinée" - Interview with Producer Andreas Schmiedecker & Creative Director Mikael Hedberg |url=https://eip.gg/interview-schmiedecker-hedberg/ |access-date=5 April 2024 |website=EIP Gaming |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Earle |first=Sharnelle |date=20 March 2024 |title=Alone In The Dark: Should You Play As Edward Carnby or Emily Hartwood? |url=https://www.thegamer.com/alone-in-the-dark-edward-carnby-emily-hartwood-character-choice-differences-guide/ |access-date=5 April 2024 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref>

Combat consists of firearms, melee weapons and throwable objects, along with environmental hazards that can be used to have an edge on the monsters. The environment is filled with items for the player to find, such as ammo, melee weapons, keys, collectibles such as journals, letters and lagniappes that unlock secret informations about the story and objectives.

==Plot==
Sometime in the 1930s [[Louisiana]], private investigator Edward Carnby accompanies Emily Hartwood to Derceto Manor, a remote sanatorium, after Emily receives a disturbing letter from her missing uncle, Jeremy Hartwood. Jeremy, a once-renowned artist, had been receiving treatment at Derceto, but his message hints at danger and urges Emily to stay away. Upon arrival, Edward and Emily find Jeremy missing and the manor filled with signs of unrest among both patients and staff.{{efn|Players can choose to play as either Edward or Emily; both offer the same gameplay experience but with differences in dialogue and collectibles.}}

As they search for Jeremy within the compound, they uncover evidence of a secretive voodoo-influenced cult operating within the institution. Their investigation leads them into hidden passages and eventually into nightmarish alternate realities, accessed through a talisman that belonged to Jeremy. These realms, which represent twisted reflections of the real world, manifest Jeremy’s deteriorating mind and are populated by monstrous, surreal creatures that warp the logic of space and architecture. Along the way, they encounter a strange masked entity called the Dark Man.

Throughout the journey, Edward confronts his mounting guilt toward Grace Saunders, a young resident of Derceto whom he once failed to protect on a previous case. The resurfacing of his memories intensifies as the supernatural influences of the manor grow stronger. Meanwhile, Emily struggles with deep emotional wounds from the death of her husband in [[World War I]], a loss that the eldritch visions exploit to break her resolve.

The investigation reveals that Jeremy has made a desperate pact with the Dark Man in exchange for forbidden knowledge and artistic “inspiration.” Jeremy trapped fragments of his consciousness in a submerged dream-temple within his own mind. A battle ensues with a monstrous creature in the alternate world, and after defeating it by stabbing it in the left eye, it is revealed to be Jeremy in the real world. The result of the incident leaves him [[Lobotomy|lobotomized]]. Ultimately, both the patients and staff of Derceto are revealed to be cult members and are preparing a final ritual centred around a corrupted “wish tree” in the conservatory, intending to summon a cosmic being known as the Mother or [[Shub-Niggurath|Black Goat]].

''Alone in the Dark'' features multiple possible endings, determined by character choice and specific collectible sets:

* '''Default Ending (Edward or Emily)''': When Edward and Emily stop Grace from being sacrificed, the tree becomes angry and reveals its true monstrous form, causing several cult members to be killed. Edward and Emily defeat the Black Goat and effectively destroy it. In the wake of dawn, the surviving characters leave the premises as Derceto is engulfed in flames.
* '''Edward’s Alternate Ending''' – “One of the Thousand Young”: If Edward discovers a specific Lagniappe set, he may interact differently with the wish tree during the final ritual. This choice results in him being absorbed into the cult’s cosmic design, suggesting he becomes part of the Mother’s brood.
* '''Emily’s Alternate Ending''' – “Radical Acceptance”: With a different set of collectibles, Emily can access a hidden sequence in Dr. Gray’s apartment, where she ultimately submits to the Dark Man’s influence. In this ending, she embraces oblivion rather than resisting the supernatural forces that have haunted her.
* '''Secret Grace Ending''' – “What Just Happened?” (both characters): After completing both campaigns and acquiring the “All the World’s a Stage” Lagniappe set, the player may give Grace a toy during the final chapter. This triggers a metafictional, fourth-wall-breaking ending in which Grace appears aware of the game’s structure and resets the narrative in a surreal, comedic twist.

== Development ==
A remake of the original 1992 game ''[[Alone in the Dark (1992 video game)|Alone in the Dark]]'' was in active development by [[Eden Games]] after the release of ''[[Alone in the Dark (2008 video game)|Alone in the Dark: Inferno]]''. But following the liquidation of the studio by [[Atari Interactive|Atari]] in 2013, the game was cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seibert |first=Dustin J. |date=6 February 2014 |title=Canceled Alone in the Dark Remake Footage Released |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/06/canceled-alone-in-the-dark-remake-footage-released |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref>

Three years after the poor reception of ''[[Alone in the Dark: Illumination]]'', then-owner [[Atari SA]] sold the ''Alone in the Dark'' franchise to THQ Nordic in September 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wales |first=Matt |date=19 September 2018 |title=THQ Nordic has now acquired survival horror classic Alone In The Dark |language=en-gb |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-19-thq-nordic-has-now-acquired-survival-horror-classic-alone-in-the-dark |access-date=25 October 2022}}</ref> Pieces Interactive, which was most known for making ''[[Magicka 2]]'', commenced development of the game in late 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peppiatt |first=Dom |date=12 August 2022 |title=An Alone in the Dark reboot is coming from the Soma and Amnesia: Dark Descent writer |url=https://www.vg247.com/alone-in-the-dark-remake-soma-amnesia |access-date=25 October 2022 |website=[[VG247]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |language=en}}</ref> The game was written by Mikael Hedberg, who had previously worked at [[Frictional Games]] on ''[[Soma (video game)|Soma]]'' and ''[[Amnesia: The Dark Descent]]''. Artist [[Guy Davis (comics)|Guy Davis]], best known for his work with [[Guillermo del Toro]], the comic series ''[[List_of_Hellboy_comics#B.P.R.D.|B.P.R.D.]]'', and his own comic series ''[[The Marquis (comics)|The Marquis]]'', was recruited to design the monsters featured in the game.<ref name="announce">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/23303045/alone-in-the-dark-remake-2023-release-date-thq-nordic|title=Survival horror game Alone in the Dark is getting a remake|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=12 August 2022|accessdate=1 November 2022}}</ref> Series creator [[Frédérick Raynal]] gave his blessings to the reimagining saying that Pieces Interactive did a great job preserving the "core feeling" from the original game.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1-HARRgn74 |title=Alone in the Dark - Spotlight Video |date=25 May 2023 |publisher=[[PlayStation]] |access-date=26 May 2023 |website=[[YouTube]] |time=6:22}}</ref>

English actress [[Jodie Comer]] and American actor [[David Harbour]] were recruited for the voice and [[motion capture acting|motion capture]] of the two protagonists.<ref>{{cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=25 May 2023 |title=Alone in the Dark remake stars David Harbour and Jodie Comer |url=https://www.polygon.com/23713109/alone-in-the-dark-remake-release-date-david-harbour-jodie-comer |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Release ==
In August 2022, ''Alone in the Dark'' was revealed at [[THQ Nordic]]'s Showcase.<ref name="announce" /> A playable prologue for the game, titled ''Grace in the Dark'', was released for [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]] on 25 May 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Colantonio |first1=Giovanni |title=Alone in the Dark launches in October, and a free prologue is available now |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/alone-in-the-dark-release-date-demo/ |website=[[Digital Trends]] |access-date=18 June 2024 |date=25 May 2023 }}</ref> The full game was originally scheduled to release for those platforms on 25 October 2023, but was delayed a month before release to 16 January 2024 to "avoid competing with" ''[[Alan Wake 2]]'' and ''[[Marvel's Spider-Man 2|Spider-Man 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yang |first1=George |title=Alone in the Dark Reboot Delayed to January 2024 to Avoid the Likes of Alan Wake 2 and Spider-Man 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/alone-in-the-dark-reboot-delayed-to-january-2024-to-avoid-the-likes-of-alan-wake-2-and-spider-man-2 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=18 June 2024 |date=5 September 2023 }}</ref> In December 2023, it was again delayed to 20 March 2024 to "avoid any potential crunch over the Christmas holidays".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jarvis |first1=Matt |title=Alone in the Dark reboot delayed again, will now land in March so devs "avoid any potential crunch" |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/alone-in-the-dark-reboot-delayed-again-will-now-land-in-march-so-devs-avoid-any-potential-crunch |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=18 June 2024 |date=8 December 2023 }}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = (PC) 67/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/alone-in-the-dark/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Alone in the Dark for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref><br>(PS5) 63/100<ref name="MCPS5">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/alone-in-the-dark/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=Alone in the Dark for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref><br>(XSXS) 66/100<ref name="MCXSXS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/alone-in-the-dark/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=Alone in the Dark for Xbox Series X Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
<!--
| AdvGamers = 4.5/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Deneschau |first=Nicolas |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/alone-in-the-dark |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319185756/https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/alone-in-the-dark |url-status=usurped |archive-date=19 March 2024 |title=Alone in the Dark review |website=[[Adventure Gamers]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| DT = 3.5/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Colantonio |first=Giovanni |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/alone-in-the-dark-2024-review/ |title=Alone in the Dark review: an unabashed ode to a '90s horror classic |website=[[Digital Trends]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| EuroG = 2/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Blade |first=Vikki |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/alone-in-the-dark-review-1 |title=Alone in the Dark review – a perfunctory romp that doesn't quite live up to the hype |website=[[Eurogamer]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| Fam = 31/40<ref name="famitsu">{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=April 3, 2024|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/04/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1844|title=''Famitsu'' Review Scores: Issue 1844|website=Gematsu|access-date=May 21, 2025}}</ref>
| GSpot = 4/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Delaney |first=Mark |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/alone-in-the-dark-review-dimly-lit/1900-6418197/ |title=Alone In The Dark Review - Dimly Lit |website=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| GRadar = 1.5/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Hurley |first=Leon |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/alone-in-the-dark-review-2024/ |title=Alone in the Dark review: "Lacks the life or coherence needed to give it any momentum" |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| IGN = 6/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Ogilive |first=Tristan |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/alone-in-the-dark-review |title=Alone in the Dark Review |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| NME = 2/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Andy |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/alone-in-the-dark-review-3602883 |title='Alone In The Dark' review: more trouble than terror in this disappointing reboot |website=[[NME]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 76/100<ref>{{cite web |last=Chatziioannou |first=Alexander |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/horror/alone-in-the-dark-review/ |title=Alone in the Dark review |website=[[PC Gamer]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| PCGN = 5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Ed |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/alone-in-the-dark/review |title=Alone in the Dark review – the death of survival horror's pioneer |website=[[PCGamesN]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| PSQ = 6/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Croft |first=Liam |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/alone-in-the-dark |title=Alone in the Dark Review (PS5) |website=[[Push Square]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| SN = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Denzer |first=TJ |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/139163/alone-in-the-dark-review-score |title=Alone in the Dark review: A heady head case |website=[[Shacknews]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| TG = 1/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Lane |first=Rick |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2024/mar/19/alone-in-the-dark-review-jodie-comer-and-david-harbour-cant-save-this-soporific-horror |title=Alone in the Dark review – Jodie Comer and David Harbour can't save this soporific horror |website=[[The Guardian]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| VGC = 2/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/alone-in-the-dark/ |title=Review: Alone in the Dark is anotherfrustrating reboot for the classic horror series |website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| VG = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Bardwell |first=Tom |date=19 March 2024 |url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/alone-in-the-dark-review/ |title=Alone in the Dark review – a thrilling reimagining of a pioneering classic |website=VideoGamer.com |accessdate=19 March 2024}}</ref>
-->
}}

=== Critical reception ===
''Alone in the Dark'' received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCPC" /><ref name="MCPS5" /><ref name="MCXSXS" /> 

=== Sales ===
''Alone in the Dark'' failed to meet the sales expectations of THQ Nordic's [[parent company]] [[Embracer Group]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Batchelor |first=James |date=23 May 2024 |title=Embracer Group full-year sales rise to $3.9bn, but $1.5bn debt remains |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/embracer-group-full-year-sales-rise-to-39bn-but-15bn-debt-remains |access-date=23 May 2024 |website=Games Industry |publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref> leading Embracer to shut down Pieces Interactive in June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=17 June 2024 |title=Embracer Shuts Down Alone in the Dark Developer Pieces Interactive |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/embracer-shuts-down-alone-in-the-dark-developer-pieces-interactive |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

=== Accolades ===
The game was nominated for "Best Audio for an Indie Game", "Best Dialogue for an Indie Game" and "Best Ensemble Cast Performance" at the [[Game Audio Network Guild Awards]] in March 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hutchinson |first=Sabrina |date=20 March 2025 |title=23rd G.A.N.G. Awards Winners — Full List |url=https://www.audiogang.org/23rd-g-a-n-g-awards-winners-full-list/ |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=[[Game Audio Network Guild]]}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official website|https://aloneinthedark.thqnordic.com/}}

{{Alone in the Dark}}

[[Category:2024 video games]]
[[Category:Alone in the Dark]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Sweden]]
[[Category:Cthulhu Mythos video games]]
[[Category:Pieces Interactive games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 5 games]]
[[Category:Psychological horror games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Survival horror video games]]
[[Category:Video game remakes]]
[[Category:THQ Nordic games]]
[[Category:Unreal Engine 4 games]]
[[Category:Video games about missing people]]
[[Category:Video games about zombies]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games set in 1924]]
[[Category:Video games set in country houses]]
[[Category:Video games set in Louisiana]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Alone in the Dark (2024 video game)|access_date=2026-02-25}}