Start Survey is a short psychological horror experience that takes place in a dark, confined room with a computer screen in front of the player. The game presents a series of personal and increasingly unsettling questions, blending gameplay with direct interaction. As the survey continues, the player starts to notice small changes in the environment, creating tension without relying on action or movement. The focus is entirely on atmosphere and the illusion of control.
The Room and the Setup
The game begins with the player sitting at a desk in a minimal room. A laptop is the only source of interaction, and clicking it initiates the survey. The questions start off simple but quickly take on a personal tone, referencing the player’s choices and surroundings. Items in the room, such as a bed, window, and nearby objects, begin to shift slightly as the survey progresses, building a sense of discomfort through subtle detail.
Core Experience and Immersion
What makes Start Survey distinct is how it connects the player’s responses with the environment. The game creates the feeling that someone—or something—is observing. This effect is achieved without cutscenes or jump scares. Instead, immersion relies on pacing, timing, and audio design. The game runs in real-time, and the player cannot leave until the survey ends, creating a sense of confinement.
Elements involved in the experience:
· Real-time interaction with a virtual environment
· Progressive changes in the room tied to questions
· Background sounds that react to player behavior
· A single ending that changes slightly based on input
· Minimal controls with maximum focus on observation
Narrative Without Movement
There is no walking or exploration in Start Survey. All interaction is done while seated, reinforcing the idea that the player is trapped inside the scenario. The narrative unfolds through the sequence of questions and the player’s reaction to them. It is unclear who is behind the survey or what its purpose is, and this uncertainty adds to the tension.
Lasting Impact
Despite its short runtime, the game leaves a strong impression by directly involving the player’s sense of privacy and vulnerability. It uses minimalist design and controlled pacing to achieve emotional impact. Start Survey is less about solving problems and more about confronting unease, offering a quiet but intense experience for those who enjoy psychological storytelling.
