Red Barrels is an independent Canadian video game developer founded in 2011 by former Ubisoft employees Philippe Morin, David Chateauneuf, and Hugo Dallaire. The studio is best known for its survival horror video games, including Outlast and Outlast 2.
History
Red Barrels was founded in 2011 with the goal of creating high-quality horror video games. The studio’s first game, Outlast, was released in 2013 and was a critical and commercial success. Outlast sold over 4 million copies worldwide and was praised for its immersive gameplay and terrifying atmosphere.
Building on the success of Outlast, Red Barrels released Outlast 2 in 2017. Outlast 2 was also a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. The game received praise for its innovative gameplay, disturbing story, and terrifying atmosphere.
Games
Red Barrels has developed the following video games:
Name | Release Date | Platforms |
---|---|---|
Outlast | 2013 | Windows, Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
Outlast: Whistleblower | 2014 | Windows, Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
Outlast 2 | 2017 | Windows, Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
Awards
Red Barrels has won numerous awards for its video games, including:
-
Outlast
- Game of the Year (2013) – The Game Awards
- Best Horror Game (2013) – Golden Joystick Awards
- Best Independent Game (2013) – Canadian Video Game Awards
-
Outlast 2
- Best Horror Game (2017) – Golden Joystick Awards
- Best Independent Game (2017) – Canadian Video Game Awards
Influences
Red Barrels has cited the following as influences on its video games:
- Silent Hill
- Amnesia: The Dark Descent
- Penumbra
- Alan Wake
Reception
Red Barrels has received critical acclaim for its video games. The studio’s games have been praised for their immersive gameplay, terrifying atmosphere, and disturbing stories. Red Barrels has been ranked among the top independent video game developers in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Red Barrels best known for?
A: Red Barrels is best known for its survival horror video games, including Outlast and Outlast 2.
Q: When was Red Barrels founded?
A: Red Barrels was founded in 2011.
Q: What are some of the influences on Red Barrels’ video games?
A: Red Barrels has cited Silent Hill, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Penumbra, and Alan Wake as influences on its video games.
Q: What awards has Red Barrels won?
A: Red Barrels has won numerous awards for its video games, including Game of the Year (2013) for Outlast and Best Horror Game (2017) for Outlast 2.
References
- Red Barrels website
- Game Awards website
- Golden Joystick Awards website
- Canadian Video Game Awards website
Outlast 2 Gameplay
Outlast 2 is a first-person survival horror game that puts players in the shoes of investigative journalist Blake Langermann. The game follows Blake and his wife Lynn as they search for their missing daughter Jessica in the remote mountains of Arizona.
Players must explore the desolate and decaying environment, using only a video camera with night vision capabilities, to navigate the darkness. Along the way, they will encounter a cast of terrifying creatures and hostile cultists who will relentlessly pursue them.
Gameplay emphasizes stealth and evasion, as direct confrontation with the threats is often fatal. Players must use their surroundings to their advantage, hiding in lockers or under beds, and using audio distractions to draw enemies away.
Outlast 2 features a variety of disturbing and gruesome encounters that push the boundaries of horror gaming. Players will have to endure psychological torment, body mutilation, and graphic violence, all while trying to survive the horrors of Temple Gate.
Computer Security Best Practices for Businesses
Businesses must implement robust security measures to protect their sensitive data and systems from cyber threats. Key best practices include:
-
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication: Strengthen user accounts with complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for added security.
-
Install and update security software: Regularly update antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall software to address emerging threats.
-
Restrict user access: Limit user access to sensitive data and systems based on the principle of least privilege.
-
Implement a firewall and intrusion detection system: Block unauthorized access to the network and monitor for suspicious activity.
-
Conduct regular security audits: Periodically assess the security of your systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and implement necessary updates.
-
Back up data regularly: Regularly back up critical data to a secure off-site location to ensure data recovery in case of a security breach or system failure.
-
Educate employees about security risks: Sensitize employees about cyber threats and their role in maintaining security. Provide regular training to enhance awareness and encourage responsible behavior.
Data Breach Prevention Measures
Data breaches pose significant threats to businesses and individuals, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and compromised sensitive information. To prevent such incidents, organizations should implement comprehensive data breach prevention measures.
Key measures include:
- Access Control: Limiting system access to authorized users through authentication and authorization mechanisms.
- Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data both at rest and in transit to protect it from unauthorized access.
- Network Security: Implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and protect networks from external threats.
- Data Governance: Establishing policies and procedures for data handling, storage, and disposal to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.
- Employee Education: Training employees on best practices for data security, including password management and phishing avoidance.
- Regular Security Audits: Conducting periodic audits to identify vulnerabilities and address security gaps.
- Incident Response Plan: Developing a plan for responding to data breaches promptly and effectively to mitigate damage and recover data.
Cyberattack Protection Techniques for Small Businesses
Small businesses are increasingly becoming targets of cyberattacks due to their vulnerability and limited resources. To protect their businesses, it is essential to implement robust security measures. These techniques include:
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more pieces of information to gain access.
- Encrypting data: Encryption protects data from unauthorized access by converting it into an unreadable format.
- Maintaining up-to-date software and systems: Updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities.
- Using a firewall: A firewall acts as a barrier between the business network and the Internet, monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic.
- Training employees on cybersecurity: Educating employees on cybersecurity best practices, such as password security and phishing awareness, helps prevent human errors.
- Regularly backing up data: Backing up data to a separate location ensures that information is not lost in the event of a breach.
- Implementing security awareness training: Training employees on recognizing and reporting suspicious activities helps detect and prevent attacks.
- Consider cyber insurance: Cyber insurance can provide financial coverage for expenses incurred in the event of a breach.