Introduction to Real-life Towns Resembling the Horrors of Videogames

From the dark and eerie isolation of Harlan, Kentucky to the historical shadows of Salem, Massachusetts, and the haunting remnants of Centralia, Pennsylvania, these real-life towns share uncanny similarities with the haunting environments depicted in video games like Outlast 2. In this article, we explore these places in detail, highlighting their historical significance and eerie modern-day atmospheres.

Towns in the American Landscape

Harlan, Kentucky

Harlan, Kentucky is a small town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Known for its isolation and poverty, it boasts a rich religious community presence. The rugged terrain and rural lifestyle of its surroundings create an atmosphere of quiet seclusion that resonates with the eerie environments of Outlast 2. While not a haunted place in the traditional sense, its history and setting could inspire similar feelings of desolation.

Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts, famous for the infamous Salem witch trials, has a dark legacy that interests those intrigued by its haunted past and religious fanaticism. Attracting tourists eager to uncover its historical secrets, the town serves as a perfect real-world backdrop for the horror genre. Its connection to historical persecution and seemingly supernatural events skews the line between reality and fiction, aligning well with the unsettling environments found in Outlast 2 and other horror games.

Dover, Pennsylvania and Centralia, Pennsylvania

Dover, Pennsylvania is known for its Amish communities, offering a simpler and more isolated way of life. The surrounding rural areas can evoke a sense of eeriness, especially in the dark, mirroring the atmosphere found in Outlast 2. Centralia, Pennsylvania, abandoned due to a coal mine fire that has been burning since 1962, showcases an unsettling atmosphere with a eerie, decayed appearance. This location is reminiscent of the unsettling decay and desolation found in the game.

Ghost Towns in the American West

Many ghost towns like Bodie, California and Rhyolite, Nevada share a haunting quality and a history of hardship. These places evoke feelings of isolation and despair, similar to those experienced in Outlast 2. The decaying structures and eerie ambiance make these real-world locations akin to the game's atmosphere.

Temple Gate, Based on Havasupai Region, Arizona

The videogame Outlast 2 takes place in Temple Gate, an area based on the Havasupai region in Arizona. Coordinates provided in the comic book series by Red Barrels reveal that the real-world location is near N 36° 05 51. While the game's temple is fictional, the harsh and desolate landscape shares similarities with the Havasupai area, offering a stark and secluded setting that could inspire a similar experience to the game.

Jonestown, Guyana

Jonestown in Guyana became internationally notorious due to tragic events that unfolded on November 18, 1978. Led by Jim Jones, the American religious organization Peoples Temple established a commune here. The community tragically died in an event known as the Jonestown massacre, where 918 people, mostly American, died due to cyanide poisoning or murder-suicide. The name Jonestown resonates with the themes of isolation and despair found in Outlast 2.

Historical Context and Modern Relevance

The historical and cultural contexts behind these real-life towns provide a deeper understanding of the horrors depicted in videogames. Harlan's poverty and isolation, Salem's religious extremism, Dover and Centralia's decay, and Jonestown's tragic history all share elements of isolation, despair, and a sense of desolation. These towns draw parallels with the fictional environments in Outlast 2, creating a relatable and immersive experience for players.

Impact on Real-world Tourism and History

These real-life locations, while extensively researched and documented, remain sites of historical and cultural significance. They attract visitors interested in learning about American history, particularly themes of isolation, despair, and historical tragedies. Tours and educational programs highlight these places, fostering a better understanding of their historical contexts.

Historians, filmmakers, and writers continue to explore these places, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten. For instance, the Jonestown massacre remains a subject of intense scrutiny and study, prompting ongoing discussions about the nature of mass suicide versus mass murder.

Conclusion

Real-life towns like Harlan, Kentucky; Salem, Massachusetts; Dover and Centralia, Pennsylvania; and Jonestown, Guyana share striking similarities with the environments in Outlast 2. Their histories of isolation, despair, and tragedy make them compelling real-world analogues to the fictional worlds presented in the game. By exploring these locations, we gain a deeper appreciation for both the historical context and the thematic resonances found in modern horror games.