Jacob Castaneda

Hello!

My name is Jacob Castaneda. I grew up in the Waipahu area in Hawaii. I attended and graduated in Waipahu High School. If I were an artist's tool, I would be a pencil, because in literal sense, I do love to sketch a LOT on paper. But metaphorically in my way, I can create anything through my imaginations in any ways possible. As I always love to visualize things that I see while holding on to my standards and understand on what I'm good at.

Research Topic: Horror Game in Hawai‘i

Research Question: What makes horror games psychologically scary and how will this game be taken place in Hawaii?

Abstract:

While there are games with popular genres that people played in the area of video games, horror games have become a trend even in the beginning of the 2020s. This paper explores the history of horror games, the psychology of horror games, and how it might be adapted to a local “Hawaii” environment. In particular, the paper analyzes the popular horror game, Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF), trying to identify why it works as a psychological thriller, how the setting influences player behavior, and other game mechanics. Lastly, the paper will explore how an adaption of FNAF could take place in Hawaii by bringing in local folklore, bringing in a new and interesting perspective and experience for any players that are a fan of FNAF or people who have lived in Hawai’i.

Capstone Project: Game Level

Project Title: The Kasha House

Capstone Proposal:

CREATIVE PROCESS:

The concept of creativity has come a long way. The Old Greeks would call those creative forces muses, other religions referred to them as God. Today people still mostly treat creativity as an aha moment outside the area of influence. However, just by looking at the creative process one can tell, that creativity and creative work is more than just that one "Aha-Moment" (insight). It is clear that generating ideas demands planning and preparation, identifying something of interest like a problem, an opportunity or a challenge, doing research. This then leads to thinking of a solution, allowing time to incubate and iterations before arriving at something “complete.” Students learn that hard work is what makes their ideas come to life and sticktuiveness is what helps them get better.

DELIVERABLE:

Jacob’s capstone project turns fear into fascination with his original horror game level inspired by local Hawaiian folklore. Rooted in his deep-dive research on the psychology of horror games and the global success of Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF), Jacob explored what makes players tick—and tremble. His work examines how horror mechanics and atmospheric tension can be reimagined through a uniquely local lens. The result? A chilling interactive experience that blends the jump-scare suspense of FNAF with eerie legends from Hawaiʻi, creating a cultural twist on a beloved genre that’s both familiar and hauntingly new.

Dare to play? Jacob's The Kasha House.

Page updated

Report abuse