In the popular horror video game “Phasmophobia,” players worldwide have the option to explore a large farmhouse set in a dark rural landscape. As they enter the house, they come across several envelopes bearing a familiar address from Hamilton, Ontario – “Bleasdale Farm, Hamilton, ON L8R 2L2.”
Nicole Sharpe, a player from Hamilton, expressed surprise and curiosity about the specific choice of the Hamilton address in the game, which she has been playing since October 2024. The postal code, though real, was randomly selected, located in downtown Hamilton off James Street North.
Developed by a team mainly based in Southampton, England, “Phasmophobia” is a cooperative horror game released in 2020, gaining popularity on Steam during pandemic lockdowns. The game’s setting in the United States raised questions among players in Hamilton about the chosen location.
The farmhouse’s location inspiration stemmed from a painting in the game, where the level designer, Ben Lawson, envisioned the character as Canadian, leading to the selection of the Hamilton postal code. Despite initial theories about close ties to Hamilton, the choice was based on a spur-of-the-moment idea.
The reimagined Bleasdale Farm in the game, previously a rundown building, was transformed into a luxurious home. Corey Dixon, the art director at Kinetic Games, mentioned that the revamping process for Bleasdale Farm and Grafton Farmhouse each took about three to four months.
Dixon explained that the game’s narrative elements intentionally leave room for player interpretation, with details hinting at an older couple residing in Bleasdale. The story unfolds with their granddaughter moving in, connecting the two farms in a unique way.
Players like Sharpe and Julia Munro from Ontario found humor and intrigue in the Hamilton setting, appreciating the spotlight on a city like Hamilton, known for its “bad rep.” Despite the random choice of the location, players enjoyed the unexpected connection to a real-world place.
As the game continues to engage players with intricate details and immersive storytelling, the team behind “Phasmophobia” aims to create more exciting locations that resonate with players and spark curiosity.
