Sportaldislexicartaphobia

Sportaldislexicartaphobia is an indie horror puzzle developed by Juicy Beast for Scream Jam 2025. The game takes place in a single, confined space — an art gallery where paintings act as both puzzles and traps. The player must locate a list of hidden objects within the artwork while avoiding the gaze of something that watches from inside the paintings. The title combines observation, timing, and light management, turning a simple task into a tense exercise in awareness.

Gameplay Concept

At its core, Sportaldislexicartaphobia mixes hidden-object gameplay with survival mechanics. The player receives a short list of items to find and must search for them across different paintings. Each discovered object moves the player closer to escape, but the threat increases as progress is made. Staring too long at the wrong place reveals the entity behind the paintings, ending the session instantly. Managing how much time you spend looking and moving becomes the central rule of play.

Key gameplay systems include:

·         A limited field of vision that requires close observation.

·         A randomised list of objects that changes after each run.

·         Light-based mechanics that control visibility and safety.

·         Paintings that contain both clues and potential dangers.

·         A reaction system triggered by direct visual contact with the hidden presence.

Visual And Structural Design

The art gallery layout is designed to feel simple yet unstable. Every wall carries a painting that may change when unobserved. The lighting weakens over time, forcing the player to rely on memory and spatial awareness. Each step through the gallery increases the sense of disorientation, as previously familiar areas shift slightly with every return. The static environment becomes dynamic through subtle variation, keeping the player uncertain about what has changed and what remains the same.

Strategy And Learning Curve

Progress in Sportaldislexicartaphobia depends on observation discipline. The player must focus on brief, controlled looks instead of long inspections. Memorising the object list at the beginning of the game saves time later when visibility drops. Recognising small visual differences helps in locating targets without overexposure. The player learns to pace movement, maintain distance from paintings, and manage light as a resource. Each failed attempt provides a clearer understanding of how to navigate safely.

Sportaldislexicartaphobia transforms a traditional hidden-object format into a slow, methodical survival puzzle. It removes combat and replaces it with observation, timing, and restraint. The experience builds through repetition, teaching players to control their attention and avoid instinctive reactions. Over time, the game reveals its logic — success is not about speed or precision, but about learning how to look without being seen.