Silent Hill f’s Japanese town was initially non-existent, but the developers aimed to capture the essence of a ‘Ryukishi07 work,’ according to NeoBards’ director.

The town is a vital element in any Silent Hill game, and the latest entry, Silent Hill f, takes a different approach by immersing its troubled characters in the fictional Ebisugaoka instead of the usual Americana. Developer NeoBards reveals that this haunted mountaintop, inspired by a real Japanese location, was barely conceptualized when development began.

Director Al Yang emphasized that whatever NeoBards presented had to ensure “the story would undoubtedly feel like a ‘Ryukishi07 work.'” Renowned horror writer Ryukishi07, known for the When They Cry manga series, had already crafted a poignant narrative for Silent Hill f that the team needed to respect.

Lead level designer Kaiyu Chang shared, “I first read the initial draft of the script a few years ago. At the time, I was pregnant, which made the story’s exploration of societal expectations on women resonate with me even more. Many scenes struck a strong emotional chord.”

While “the core essence of the story never changed,” Chang noted, “we made several adjustments to its presentation.” Yang added that “many of the locations in Silent Hill f did not exist initially and were carefully chosen to enhance both the script and the game’s atmosphere.” For instance, the school was a concept proposed by NeoBards and discussed in detail with Konami and Ryukishi07.

Hinako’s house, a significant puzzle area where family secrets unfold, “was originally envisioned as a labyrinth with an otherworldly vibe,” according to Chang.

“Later, we introduced the concept of ‘memory,’ added multiple timelines, and allowed the space to shift based on the player’s choices and endings,” she explained. “Throughout this process, Ryukishi07 continuously crafted new text and lore to meet gameplay needs. After numerous discussions and refinements, the final in-game version took shape.”

Ultimately, the team created another iconic Silent Hill town, shrouded in fog—where horror is inescapable, yet hope persists.

The writer of Silent Hill f understands that players aren’t looking for “a happily ever after,” and the game’s chilling depiction of young womanhood makes it a standout contender for Game of the Year.