These words might still evoke a sense of fear and tension, especially if you’re a Gen X or Gen Z. I am, of course, referring to the board game, Atmosfear.

The game involved sitting in a dark room, playing along  whilst watching a video of The Gatekeeper bellowing out at you. I played this game frequently as a child. The main aim of the game was to scare children by writing down their worst nightmare on a card, turning it over and hoping to win the game so the gatekeeper wouldn’t banish them to the black hole.

After not playing for many years, I started Twisted50 and remembered the game. I managed to find the videos on YouTube. Watching them now, 30 years later, they seem laughable compared to how terrifying I found them back then. The music, the actor, and the voice all contributed to a fantastic tension while playing. Your heart would race as you tried to finish the game within the time limit.

Re-watching the video has been a great inspiration for writing horror stories and I recommend giving it a watch. The changes in how the Gatekeeper looks, the language used, and the music all create a compelling atmosphere. It’s a wonderful way to recall childhood fears and tap into those old nightmares. This sense of fear can be a powerful tool in creating stories that engage and perhaps even shake up your readers.