Ten Bells is a first-person horror game set in an English pub. Developed by Acrylic Pixel (Chris Jarvis) and Hillfort Games (Vin Hill). Ten Bells takes place in a Victorian-era pub steeped in mystery and ghostly anomalies. The game is currently set to release exclusively on Steam in Q3 2024. The Steam page is now live for wishlists and the teaser trailer has been released. A demo release at this stage remains uncertain.
Ten Bells Steam Page and Teaser Trailer are Out Now
The Ten Bells teaser trailer introduces Clara, the main antagonist of the game creepily climbing out of a fireplace and lurching towards the player. The trailer also shows off the eerie pub. The Ten Bells Steam page is live to build wishlists.
How To Play Anomaly Games like Ten Bells
Ten Bells sets itself apart from traditional linear horror games by embracing the emerging liminal space and anomaly-spotting genre. Players explore the pub searching for anomalies – strange occurrences that can be subtle or deadly. If all seems well, continue forward; if anything looks different, turn back. The player starts off at ‘The Bell’ (Level 1) with the goal being to escape the pub by correctly identifying the anomalies in order to progress towards ‘The Ten Bells’ pub (Level 10). The endless loop mechanic, inspired by P.T., creates a disorienting experience, while the anomaly-spotting from Exit 8, challenges players to observe their surroundings.
Ten Bells is a Unique Horror Experience
Drawing inspiration from games like Exit 8, PT and The Backrooms, Ten Bells offers its own take on the liminal space anomaly genre by weaving horror narratives into the anomalies. The story unfolds partly via the anomalies themselves but also through story related objects appearing on the shelves in the starting area of the game. Throughout the game, players will come across various characters—though not all interactions will be cosy. At certain points, players will find themselves in great peril, heightening the tension and adding an extra layer of challenge to the “spot the difference” gameplay.
Meet the Developers
The main devs of Ten Bells are Chris Jarvis (Acrylic Pixel) and Vin Hill (Hillfort Games), two friends and game developers who met at Norwich University of the Arts in the UK. Notably, Vin Hill is a AAA industry veteran with nine years of experience. An English pub was the team’s cultural interpretation of Exit 8’s eerie Japanese train station.
Development has been supported by Environment artist Lamont Gilkey, Character Artist Justin Phillips and Marketing consultant Lauren Moses.
The team have been bootstrapping production and currently don’t have any publishers or 3rd party partners.
Join the Ten Bells Community
Players and horror enthusiasts can join the discussion and stay updated on the game’s development by joining the Hillfort Games Discord. Additionally, teaser trailers, screenshots, and clips are available on the game’s TikTok and Instagram accounts.
Ten Bells was Designed with Streamers in Mind
Designed with streamers in mind, Ten Bells promises to be a captivating experience with its randomised anomalies and hidden details, perfect for eagle-eyed players. The developers are keen on collaborating with streamers to showcase the game.
Ten Bells Quick Development Time
Production on Ten Bells has progressed quickly, starting on the 8th of May, 2024. The small and agile team has been able to move quickly, resulting in final testing due at the start of August. The team’s efficiency and close collaboration have been key in maintaining their pace.
