Documenting a Narrative Horror Game: Lessons from Building a Fan Wiki

I recently constructed a fan guide for the indie narrative horror game, The Skin Stapler, created by Tainted Pact Games. This game, which launched on Steam in August of 2026, is a one-sitting experience focused on a detective tracking down a serial killer in a 1980s city on the brink of decay.

The fan guide I developed isn't about providing walkthroughs, but rather contextual information that players are seeking. This includes character backgrounds, a clear timeline, and a thematic analysis of the game. What I found was that players want a deep dive into the story, not just how to progress through the game.

Throughout my research, I noted the different perspectives from which the story is told. As the player, you control multiple characters, including the detective and civilians who are in their final moments. There are also audio tapes from the killer, whose messages are heavily distorted, and various locations throughout Carrion City that add to the game's atmosphere.

I also explored the thematic aspects of the game, drawing connections to grindhouse and VHS influences. To create this guide, I used a static site generator, markdown, and JSON. There was no database or backend involved, so the pages load quickly, which is crucial when players refer to the guide during their gameplay. You can check out the guide at https://theskinstapler.com/.