The gaming world has been buzzing with anticipation for unique indie experiences, and the THEM – Official Launch Trailer has finally unveiled what promises to be one of the most innovative psychological horror games of 2025. Developed by Lexip Games, the creative minds behind the Silence Channel series, THEM represents a bold fusion of genres that challenges conventional horror game design while tapping into our collective nostalgia for 1990s arcade culture.
What Makes THEM Stand Out in the Horror Genre?
THEM isn’t just another jump-scare fest designed to make you leap from your seat. Instead, it offers something far more sophisticated: a psychological horror experience that masterfully blends first-person 3D exploration with retro 2D platforming elements. This unique combination creates a disorienting yet captivating experience that keeps players constantly off-balance, much like the best psychological horror should.
The game’s premise immediately sets it apart. You play as Tommy, a nine-year-old boy who finds himself alone in a mysterious video game club straight out of the 1990s. What begins as an innocent exploration of glowing arcade machines and the comforting hum of CRT monitors quickly descends into a nightmare that blurs the lines between reality and virtual worlds. This setting isn’t just atmospheric—it’s a brilliant metaphor for how childhood innocence can be corrupted by forces beyond our understanding.
The Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: A Tale of Two Dimensions
One of the most striking aspects revealed in the THEM – Official Launch Trailer is how seamlessly the game transitions between its two distinct gameplay styles. In the 3D segments, players experience the game through Tommy’s eyes, exploring the eerie video game club with its flickering lights and unsettling atmosphere. The first-person perspective creates an intimate connection with Tommy’s vulnerability, making every shadow and strange noise feel personally threatening.
When Tommy enters the mysterious arcade game “Taskelvania,” the perspective shifts dramatically to a 2D platformer reminiscent of classic 16-bit games. However, this isn’t your typical nostalgic romp. The platforming segments are infused with the same psychological horror elements that permeate the 3D sections, creating a jarring contrast that keeps players constantly unsettled.
The Psychological Horror Elements
What truly elevates THEM above conventional horror games is its sophisticated approach to psychological terror. The game doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares but instead builds tension through atmosphere, sound design, and the gradual unraveling of its mysterious narrative. The THEM – Official Launch Trailer hints at several key horror elements:
- The Unseen Threat: Much of the horror comes from what you can’t see—the strange noises echoing through the arcade, the feeling of being watched, the knowledge that something terrible is lurking just out of sight
- Reality Distortion: The game plays with players’ perceptions, making them question what’s real and what’s part of the arcade game
- Childhood Vulnerability: Playing as a nine-year-old boy amplifies the horror, as players experience the world through a character who lacks the physical and emotional resources to cope with such terror
- The Materializing Antagonist: The trailer reveals a fascinating antagonist who begins as merely a pair of glowing eyes in the darkness but gradually materializes into something far more terrifying
The Story Behind THEM: From Concept to Launch
Lexip Games has established itself as a developer willing to take risks with innovative horror concepts, and THEM represents their most ambitious project to date. The THEM – Official Launch Trailer showcases the culmination of years of experience in creating atmospheric horror experiences, building on the foundation laid by their previous Silence Channel series.
The game’s development story is as intriguing as its narrative. According to developer interviews, the concept for THEM emerged from a simple question: “What if the video games we played as children were actually gateways to something darker?” This premise resonates with anyone who’s ever lost themselves in an arcade game, wondering what might happen if the boundaries between game and reality began to blur.
The 1990s Arcade Setting: More Than Just Nostalgia
The choice to set THEM in a 1990s video game club is far from arbitrary. This setting serves multiple narrative and thematic purposes:
- Nostalgic Comfort: The 1990s arcade represents a safe, familiar space for many players, making its corruption more unsettling
- Technological Transition: This era marked the transition from 2D to 3D gaming, mirroring the game’s own blend of perspectives
- Cultural Touchstone: Arcades were social spaces where children could escape adult supervision, creating the perfect environment for horror to unfold
- Visual Contrast: The bright, colorful aesthetics of 1990s arcade games provide a striking contrast to the game’s dark horror elements
What the THEM – Official Launch Trailer Reveals About Gameplay?
The THEM – Official Launch Trailer offers several glimpses into the actual gameplay experience, revealing a title that’s both accessible and deeply challenging. Here’s what we can expect:
3D Exploration Segments
In the first-person sections, players will:
- Navigate the eerie video game club environment
- Solve environmental puzzles to progress
- Interact with arcade machines and other objects
- Experience the gradual revelation of the game’s mysterious narrative
- Face the materializing antagonist in tense encounters
2D Platforming Challenges
When Tommy enters the arcade game, players must:
- Navigate classic platforming obstacles with precise controls
- Collect coins and hidden items that manifest in the real world
- Avoid or defeat enemies that represent Tommy’s deepest fears
- Solve puzzles that bridge the gap between the game and reality
- Experience increasingly surreal and disturbing level designs
The Technical Achievement: Blending Two Distinct Visual Styles
One of the most impressive aspects of THEM is how it seamlessly blends two completely different visual styles. The 3D sections feature realistic graphics with detailed environments and atmospheric lighting, while the 2D segments embrace a retro aesthetic with pixel art and limited color palettes reminiscent of classic 16-bit games.
This technical achievement isn’t just for show—it serves the game’s narrative and themes. The contrast between realistic 3D and stylized 2D graphics reinforces the game’s central theme of reality versus illusion, making players constantly question which world is “real” and which is the game.
Sound Design and Music: Creating Atmospheric Terror
While the THEM – Official Launch Trailer focuses primarily on visual elements, it hints at a sophisticated sound design that will be crucial to the game’s horror experience. The trailer features:
- Eerie Ambient Sounds: Strange noises that create tension without revealing their source
- Retro Game Audio: Authentic 8-bit and 16-bit sound effects for the platforming segments
- Dynamic Music: Soundtracks that shift between nostalgic chiptunes and disturbing atmospheric compositions
- Voice Acting: The ominous voice of the antagonist, which grows more threatening as the game progresses
Release Information and Platforms
THEM launched on June 18-19, 2025, depending on the platform, and is currently available on Steam for Windows PC. Priced at an accessible $6.99, the game offers approximately 1 hour of main story gameplay, with additional content for those who explore thoroughly and seek out multiple endings.
The game also features:
- 23 Steam Achievements
- Support for multiple languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Russian)
- Compatibility with Steam Deck
- Both keyboard and gamepad support
Why THEM Matters: The Future of Indie Horror Games
THEM represents more than just another horror game—it’s a testament to the innovation possible in the indie gaming space. By blending genres in unexpected ways and focusing on psychological horror over cheap thrills, Lexip Games has created something that stands out in a crowded market.
The THEM – Official Launch Trailer showcases a game that respects horror traditions while pushing the medium forward. It demonstrates that indie developers can compete with larger studios by focusing on unique concepts, innovative gameplay, and genuine artistic vision rather than just graphical fidelity or marketing budgets.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of THEM
Based on what we’ve seen in the THEM – Official Launch Trailer and learned from early gameplay descriptions, here are some tips for prospective players:
- Embrace the Atmosphere: Take time to explore the environment and soak in the eerie atmosphere. The horror comes as much from what you don’t see as what you do.
- Pay Attention to Details: The game is filled with subtle clues and hidden objects that enrich the narrative and affect the ending.
- Master Both Play Styles: Success in THEM requires proficiency in both first-person exploration and 2D platforming. Practice both to avoid frustration.
- Consider Your Choices: The game features multiple endings based on your decisions. Think carefully about how you interact with the antagonist and solve puzzles.
- Play with Headphones: The sound design is crucial to the horror experience. Use headphones for maximum immersion.
The THEM – Official Launch Trailer: Marketing Genius
The THEM – Official Launch Trailer itself is a masterclass in game marketing. It effectively communicates the game’s unique selling points while maintaining an air of mystery that makes viewers want to learn more. The trailer:
- Highlights the Genre Blend: Clearly shows both the 3D horror and 2D platforming elements
- Establishes Atmosphere: Uses lighting, sound, and editing to create the same eerie feeling as the game
- Teases the Story: Reveals just enough about the narrative to intrigue without spoiling key plot points
- Showcases Visual Style: Demonstrates the game’s impressive graphics and art direction
- Builds Anticipation: Ends with a compelling call to action that makes viewers want to play immediately
Conclusion: THEM – A New Standard for Psychological Horror
The THEM – Official Launch Trailer has unveiled what promises to be one of the most innovative and memorable horror games of recent years. By blending first-person psychological horror with retro 2D platforming, Lexip Games has created something truly unique that challenges players’ expectations while delivering genuine terror and emotional impact.
Whether you’re a horror enthusiast, a platforming fan, or simply someone who appreciates innovative game design, THEM deserves your attention. The THEM – Official Launch Trailer is just the beginning of what looks to be a groundbreaking experience that could influence horror game design for years to come.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, titles like THEM remind us that the most memorable experiences often come from developers willing to take risks and explore new creative territory. THEM isn’t just trying to scare you—it’s trying to make you think, feel, and question the very nature of reality and gaming itself.