Chapter 57

Chapter 57

On the popular streaming site SharkTV, there were initially only a few streamers trying their hand at ‘Outlast’. These were people who were familiar with Chen Xu and his previous works.

However, the staff at SharkTV began noticing something strange. The game’s popularity was growing at an incredible rate. Viewer engagement metrics for channels featuring the game soared to record highs, and chat boxes were experiencing lag due to overload.

By all metrics, the game was a hit with audiences.

Perhaps noticing the amount of engagement happening with other streamers, many more were prompted to join in the frenzy. For them, streaming was a full time job, and ‘Outlast’ was an incredible piece of content. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

For a time, whenever you looked into the ‘Outlast’ section and randomly entered channels, you’d hear the wails of the damned.

“I’m done! I’m out! Fuck this game, man! Whoever recommended this game, ban him!!”

“The closet just moved!! Why did it move?!”

“No! Please! Lemme go!”

“How is this fat guy running so fast?! How do I get out of here?!”

“Chat! Help! I’m out of batteries, just tell me the way, chat!”

“I need a gun! Just give me a gun! Chat, where’s the gun?”

“I swear if this asshole in the wheelchair jumps at me I swear to god, chat...”

The channels became a cacophony of horror, wonderfully showcasing the thrill and dread of ‘Outlast’. Every clip was worthy of a highlight reel, the captured moments feeling as if they were straight out of the best horror movie no one had ever seen.

This growing craze naturally piqued the interest of viewers who had previously never heard of the game. Like the snowball effect in the forums before, they were driven by the same curiosity: Is this game really that scary?

Those poor souls quickly succumbed to the truth—this game was likely the most terrifying piece of media they had ever come across so far.

If a classic jumpscare could be described as shocking by bearable after repetition, ‘Outlast’ went far and above what was necessary to strike fear in the hearts of those that played it.

The game combined visuals, atmosphere, and psychological pressure into a seamless nightmare.

The jumpscares were universal horror elements, but used in just the right amount to keep the player from being desensitized.

As the numbers grew, the commercial success of ‘Outlast’ was soon guaranteed.

————————————–

During this period, a new meme was born when someone posted a prior interview featuring Chen Xu. It was captured during the time he won the Sci-Fi adventure award.

“After all, I consider myself a warrior of love.”

The statement went viral among ‘Outlast’ fans.

[ How the hell did he say that with a straight face? ]

[ Genuinely can’t believe this is the same guy who made ‘To the Moon’ ]

[ This guy really went out of his way to tug at our heartstrings, then turn around and maul us with a monster. ]

[ Where’s the love? I might have felt it if I wasn’t stuck in the dark all the time! ]

[ Do you think he dares to play this game himself? ]

[ Fat Bastard: Aw yea you gon’ feel that love tonight, video boi ]

Players flooded Chen Xu’s social media accounts, posting memes and joking around.

The stark contrast between his “warrior of love” statement and the pants shitting horror of ‘Outlast’ was palpable.

While everyone was having fun, nobody expected Chen Xu to actually respond.

But, he did...

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