Iron Lung, an indie horror game, has garnered unexpected attention and sales in the wake of the tragic loss of the OceanGate submarine Titan, which was exploring the Titanic wreckage. On June 18th, less than two hours after entering the water, the submarine lost all communication with its support ship while surveying at depths of around 4,000 meters. The vessel accommodated a crew of five, and numerous rescue operations have been launched in hopes of locating them. Sadly, to date, neither Titan nor its occupants have been found.
As word of the submarine’s disappearance spread on social media, interest in Iron Lung began to surge. The game puts players in the intense scenario of a submarine pilot navigating a blood-infused ocean on an otherworldly moon, presenting a unique atmosphere for players. Its intense experience is something many eerily consider to be similar to the current situation surrounding the Titanic submarine. The irony was not lost on the game’s creator, David Szymanski, who took to social media to express his unease regarding the sudden increase in sales, stating, This feels so wrong.
Szymanski had designed Iron Lung to be a terrifying experience, akin to many other successful horror games. However, learning that real individuals were facing such dire circumstances deeply disturbed him. Despite the game’s chilling premise, Szymanski did not want to profit from the unfortunate situation surrounding the loss of Titan and its crew. He expressed his condolences and deep sympathy for the individuals affected, hoping that their families and loved ones would find closure.
In light of the tragedy, the newfound success of Iron Lung is a jarring and uncomfortable reminder of real-life events. As Szymanski stated, Regardless of how it happened, it is an impossibly unfortunate situation that never should have happened. Iron Lung may provide a temporary escape for players seeking a thrilling experience, but it is essential to remember the reality of the situation and offer support to those affected by the loss of the Titanic submarine.
