Frame Zero Announced for PC: DALOAR Studios Unleashes Found-Footage Psychological Horror Nightmare

The psychological horror game landscape on PC is about to get significantly darker. Following a prominent feature at the Out of Bounds showcase, DALOAR Studios, the developers behind the cult-favorite The Occultist, have officially announced their next title: Frame Zero. Set for a mid-2027 release on PC, this first-person horror game promises a deeply unsettling, found-footage experience that trades jump scares for a slow-burning, relentless dread. The announcement immediately positions Frame Zero as a must-watch for fans of high-quality, immersive horror and titles that capitalize on an oppressive atmosphere. The premise alone, involving a cursed apartment building and a failed exorcism, has already generated significant buzz among the PC gaming community and survival horror game enthusiasts.

Investigating the Occult: Story and Narrative Setup

The narrative of Frame Zero centers on a chilling investigation into the mysterious death of Father Gabriele Amorth, a renowned exorcist. Players are introduced to journalist Emma Sullivan and her cameraman, Daniel Foster, a duo entering the priest’s apartment complex to film a report. What they discover is far more sinister than a simple suspicious death: every resident is already dead, victims of a ritual gone horribly wrong. The initial discovery quickly escalates into a terrifying quest for survival when Emma vanishes, leaving Daniel alone, armed with only his camera.

• The investigation reveals that Father Amorth had been secretly harboring a possessed girl, abandoned by the Church, in his attic for years.
• The failed ritual transformed the girl into a blind, twisted monster that is now loose in the building, setting the stage for a deadly pursuit.
• Daniel’s camera isn’t just a recording device; it’s his sole tool for navigating the cursed building and documenting the escalating horrors, a core game mechanic that nods to classic found-footage cinema.

The storytelling is expected to be as dense and unsettling as DALOAR’s previous work, drawing on real Spanish hauntings and a chilling atmosphere reminiscent of films like [REC]. This focus on a complex, deep narrative and supernatural horror elements contributes significantly to the game’s high CPC keywords value in the indie game development sector.

Found-Footage Mechanics and Immersive Terror

DALOAR Studios is leaning heavily into the found-footage style, a choice that enhances the immersion and amplifies the psychological stress. The gameplay of Frame Zero is structured around exploration and puzzle-solving within the confined, claustrophobic environment of the apartment building. Daniel’s camera serves as the player’s main interface with the world, adding a layer of vulnerability and tension.

• Limited Vision: The camera’s perspective will likely restrict the player’s view, ensuring that danger can emerge from any corner, mirroring the helplessness of classic first-person horror.
• Resource Management: While details are scarce, the tradition of the genre suggests players will need to manage battery life or film, adding a critical layer of survival horror to the experience.
• Monster Design: The main antagonist, a “blind, twisted monster,” suggests a stealth-based gameplay loop akin to Alien: Isolation, where environmental awareness and evasion are paramount, rather than direct combat.

The commitment to these mechanics is a calculated move to capture the lucrative audience searching for genuine, next-gen horror experiences that prioritize psychological impact over action. This strategic design choice targets the discerning market of hardcore horror PC gamers looking for the scariest games of 2027.

Why Frame Zero is Poised to Be the Next Big Psychological Horror Title

The announcement of Frame Zero is more than just another title reveal; it signals DALOAR’s intention to solidify their place in the upper echelon of independent horror game development. Their established track record with The Occultist suggests a mastery of atmosphere, sound design, and character-driven fear. The decision to embrace a found-footage, first-person perspective on Steam PC is timely, given the resurgence of interest in this particular style of horror.

By focusing the narrative on a well-known, albeit fictionalized, figure like Father Gabriele Amorth and infusing the setting with elements of a tragic ritual, Frame Zero taps into deep-seated fears of the occult and the supernatural. This blend of real-world inspiration and terrifying, original creature design provides a powerful hook.

As the video game industry continues its rapid evolution, titles that offer genuine innovation and a commitment to pure, unadulterated fear—without relying on excessive gore—are highly valued. Frame Zero, with its unsettling premise and focus on the psychological toll of its events on Daniel Foster, appears ready to deliver an unforgettable, high-value gaming experience. The mid-2027 release window gives the developers ample time to polish the game, ensuring the final product meets the high expectations set by this promising announcement.

Next-Gen Horror and Anticipated Impact on the PC Market

The release of Frame Zero will be closely watched by analysts tracking high-performing horror franchises. The early footage and conceptual details suggest a game that could become a key commercial and critical success in the PC gaming horror niche, attracting a large audience searching for new supernatural terror content. As the best horror games often rely on innovation and a gripping story, Frame Zero’s found-footage mechanism and dark, complex lore are its biggest assets.

We anticipate further updates on gameplay mechanics and a more precise release date as development progresses. Until then, fans of psychological horror and survival games on PC have a new nightmare to eagerly await.

Source: Out of Bounds Event Showcase (October 2025); Statements from DALOAR Studios as reported by FULLSYNC and GameReactor.