Red Barrels Co-Founder Philippe Morin on 15 Years of Outlast, Horror Gaming, and the Future of the Franchise

From Ubisoft to Red Barrels: Philippe Morin’s Journey in Gaming

Philippe Morin, co-founder of Red Barrels Games, began his career in gaming in 1998 when he was hired by Ubisoft. At the time, the video game industry in Montreal was still in its infancy, with only a handful of studios. Morin, who studied cinema, initially applied for a scriptwriting role but was interviewed as a game designer—a position he admits he knew little about.

Morin recalled,

"Back then, because there were no school programs, everybody was hired, I guess, based on potential. And yet, because of my background in cinema, I kind of became a specialist in cameras, in-game cameras, behavior design, and all that."

His expertise in camera and behavior design led to opportunities at Naughty Dog, where he contributed to Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and the first Uncharted game. He later worked on Shaun White Snowboarding and Forgotten Sands before joining EA Montréal to develop a new IP with Hugo Dallaire, another Red Barrels co-founder.

The project was shelved after a year, prompting Morin, Dallaire, and later David Chateauneuf to explore starting their own studio. What they initially thought would take three to four months to pitch and secure funding stretched into 18 months.

Outlast’s Humble Beginnings and the Birth of a Horror Icon

Red Barrels Games was officially founded in 2011, and by 2013, it released Outlast, a first-person horror game that would redefine the genre. Morin revealed that Outlast was nearly scrapped before its completion. He explained,

"We had a lot of doubts. We thought, 'Is this really going to work? Will people like it?'"

The game’s success exceeded expectations, spawning a standalone DLC, a sequel, and a co-op spin-off, The Outlast Trials, released a decade after the original. The franchise has become Red Barrels’ crowning achievement, solidifying its place in the horror gaming landscape.

Expanding the Outlast Universe: What’s Next for the Franchise?

With The Outlast Trials now available, fans are eager to know what’s next for the series. While Morin did not disclose specific details, he hinted at ongoing discussions about the future of Outlast. He emphasized the studio’s commitment to delivering high-quality horror experiences, stating,

"We want to make sure we’re doing something that feels fresh and exciting for our community."

Red Barrels’ 15-year journey reflects its resilience and innovation in the gaming industry. From its uncertain beginnings to becoming a leader in horror gaming, the studio continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.

Key Milestones in Red Barrels’ 15-Year History

• 2011: Red Barrels Games is founded by Philippe Morin, Hugo Dallaire, and David Chateauneuf.
• 2013: Outlast is released, revolutionizing the horror genre.
• 2014: Outlast: Whistleblower, a standalone DLC, is launched.
• 2017: Outlast 2 debuts, expanding the franchise’s narrative.
• 2023: The Outlast Trials is released, introducing a co-op multiplayer experience.