Filipino horror game ‘Hapunan’ turns ‘balut’ into nightmare

‘Hapunan’ is a mix of psychological horror and Filipino cultural elements.  Photo from Yikun Dev/Facebook

It’s not for the faint of heart. 

If there’s one Filipino street food that sparks curiosity (and maybe a bit of fear), it’s balut – a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside. For some, it’s a must-try delicacy; for others, it’s the ultimate food dare.

But, selling balut as a “horror” game? It’s really not for the faint of heart. 

Developed by Yikon Dev, a solo indie developer from the Philippines, “Hapunan” is a mix of psychological horror and Filipino cultural elements. 

With this, the game has caught the attention of streamers and horror enthusiasts for its gripping narrative, eerie atmosphere and jump-scare-worthy moments. Built using the Unity Game Engine, it offers an experience that is as unsettling as it is immersive.

The story follows Niko, a hardworking balut vendor, whose daily life takes a terrifying turn.

What starts as a simple routine of securing business permits, locking doors and windows and serving customers quickly descends into a harrowing survival game.

But beyond its horror elements, “Hapunan” also serves as a deeper commentary on societal struggles, including the challenges of earning a living under harsh circumstances, especially in the Philippines.

In a Facebook post, Yikon Dev reminded players to download the game exclusively from verified sources.

“The game Hapunan is officially available only on itch.io and is upcoming on Steam. It is not available on any unauthorized platforms like Google Play Store, App Store, or other similar sites. For your safety and the best experience, please make sure to download it exclusively from itch.io or Steam (once released) to avoid potential scams or fake versions of the game.”

With a gameplay length of 30 to 40 minutes, “Hapunan” delivers a haunting yet culturally rich experience. It is currently available on itch.io with a Steam release on the horizon.