Players worldwide who engage with the popular horror video game “Phasmophobia,” produced in the UK, have the option to explore a significant farmhouse with a spacious porch set in a dark rural environment. Upon entering the house, they will notice several unassuming envelopes on a welcome mat bearing the address “Bleasdale Farm, Hamilton, ON L8R 2L2.” Nicole Sharpe, a player from Hamilton, expressed surprise and curiosity about the specific choice of a Hamilton address in the game.
Although the farm is fictional, the postal code corresponds to a real location in downtown Hamilton, near James Street North. The selection of this address was somewhat random, as confirmed by game developers, with the idea originating from a painting within the virtual house.
Phasmophobia, a cooperative horror game released in 2020, gained popularity on Steam during pandemic lockdowns. The game’s team, predominantly situated in Southampton, England, decided to incorporate the Hamilton location into the game for creative reasons. The revamping of the Bleasdale Farm location was inspired by a painting and the imagined Canadian identity of a character within the game.
The game’s level designer, Ben Lawson, shared that the choice of the Hamilton address was spontaneous and aimed to add a unique twist to the game’s setting. Despite some players’ initial confusion, the unexpected selection of the Hamilton address added an element of humor and intrigue to the game’s narrative.
The reimagined Bleasdale Farm and Grafton Farmhouse levels took several months to develop, with intricate story elements and vague details allowing players to interpret and connect with the game world. The developers incorporated subtle hints and connections to real-world locations, sparking player interest in exploring the game’s narrative further.
Overall, the incorporation of the Hamilton address in the game’s setting generated mixed reactions among players, with some appreciating the unexpected choice and others finding humor in the juxtaposition of a rural farmhouse within a bustling city environment. The developers acknowledged the players’ keen attention to detail and expressed their commitment to creating immersive and engaging game experiences that resonate with the gaming community.