Silent Hill f Writer Emphasizes Respect for Women in Game Development: “I’m Forever Scared of Women”

Freud presents various theories on why men experience fear, with castration being a prominent one. Lacan, albeit hesitantly, suggests that “there is no such thing as Woman,” implying that her identity is defined by her relationship to men. However, Ryukishi07, the mind behind the Silent Hill f script and the When They Cry manga, offers a more straightforward perspective. For him, men are afraid, women are frightening, and that dynamic is beautifully complex.

“My views are personal, so I apologize if my responses seem unconventional,” Ryukishi07 shares when asked about the significance of female characters in Japanese horror.

He takes a direct approach: “The horror fanbase is predominantly male, and for many men, women evoke a mix of emotions ranging from affection to fear,” he explains. “In Japanese horror, women often serve as pivotal characters or themes because their presence stirs deep emotional responses that fuel intricate narratives.”

Yet, Ryukishi07’s feelings about women are intricate. Silent Hill f exemplifies this complexity—set in the rigid 1960s Japan, the psychological horror game explores the terrifying expectations placed on women as genuine cosmic threats. The game features grotesque enemies, including pregnant tumors that unleash deadly infants and a bride in white who spreads a fog of despair, while the protagonist, Hinako, can only fight back with a pipe.

“For me, women are figures I respect, admire, befriend, and fear—an enchanting yet terrifying presence,” Ryukishi07 reflects. “Throughout my career, I’ve crafted numerous horror stories, but none would have come to fruition without the influence of women.”

Despite his storytelling, Ryukishi07 admits that he hasn’t fully unraveled the mystery of women, whom he views as beautiful cosmic entities. The horror he creates for them feels like a form of reverence. “None of us will ever completely understand the opposite sex. To claim otherwise would be incredibly presumptuous. We must honor, respect, and love one another while acknowledging our mutual misunderstandings.”

“Exploring themes centered around women is, in my view, the highest form of respect I can offer them,” Ryukishi07 concludes.

Silent Hill f’s creator understands that players aren’t looking for a “happily ever after,” and the game’s chilling depiction of young womanhood solidifies its place as a standout title of the year.