Panelak: New Czech game set in the terrifying world of Soviet-era housing

For some, the idea of a panelák – the type of Soviet-era concrete apartment building scattered across the Czech Republic – conjures memories of bleak architecture, dimly lit hallways, flickering lights, and creaky lifts.

These buildings are an integral part of the country's architectural landscape, but for Pavel Oršel, they also represent something more unsettling: a recurring nightmare. It’s this eerie connection that led him to create Panelak, a horror adventure game that invites players to experience the terrifying aspects of these buildings firsthand.

"I grew up in a panelák like the one in the game. And I used to have nightmares about it. Apparently, I’m not alone, based on the reactions of the players," Oršel shared in a recent interview with Czech Crunch.

The game is a dark, suspenseful journey through a virtual version of the very panelák in which Oršel grew up. As players explore the building's chilling halls and rooms, they’ll solve logical puzzles, hide from lurking dangers, and uncover the eerie secrets hidden within.

"The building, and even the furniture, is based on real-life examples," Oršel tells Czech Crunch. "Players will encounter things they’ll recognize and remember from their own experiences."

The game transports players to a time and place that many may have forgotten, yet it remains strangely familiar. Even though some of these panelák interiors may feel outdated – evoking the 1980s era – they continue to resonate with modern-day players.

One of the key elements of the game is its unsettling atmosphere. According to Oršel, the most striking reactions from players so far have centered on this particular aspect. "The game’s goal is simply to be creepy," Oršel says, and from the reactions of those who have played, it seems to have succeeded.

Oršel worked on Panelak entirely by himself, with some help on minor details such as pre-made game objects. His background in animation, video production, visual effects, and graphics gave him a solid foundation for the project. Though he originally thought the game would take a few months to complete, the reality was far different.

"It ended up taking almost three years to get it to a publishable state," he confessed. Much of the work was done during late-night hours, with Oršel juggling his day job alongside his passion project.

The game’s eerie atmosphere draws inspiration from more than just Oršel's nightmares. Panelak incorporates elements from the internet’s creepypasta culture, including references to disturbing urban legends and the eerie phenomenon of "backrooms" – endless, empty hallways that seem to stretch on forever.

These additions give the game an extra layer of fear, ensuring that there’s something for every player, whether they are familiar with the history of Czechia's Soviet-era housing estates or not.

Since its release, Panelak has garnered attention for both its chilling atmosphere and its unique setting. At a price point of just €6.89 (about CZK 170) on Steam, the game has already attracted a growing fanbase, with 94 percent of its current 70 reviews positive.

But the journey isn’t over for Oršel. Though Panelak was his first attempt at creating a game, it likely won’t be his last. "I’ve been getting a lot of interest in a possible sequel, so I’m starting to think that’s the way to go," he says.