Players worldwide who engage with the popular horror video game “Phasmophobia,” developed in the UK, have the option to select a level featuring a spacious farmhouse on a gloomy rural backdrop. Upon entering the virtual house, they encounter several nondescript envelopes on the welcome mat, bearing a familiar address to Ontario residents: “Bleasdale Farm, Hamilton, ON L8R 2L2.”
Nicole Sharpe, a player from Hamilton, expressed surprise at seeing her hometown address in the game, which she has been playing since October 2024. The postal code referenced in the game is genuine and corresponds to a downtown Hamilton location off James Street North.
The game, known for its cooperative gameplay involving ghost-hunting equipment to investigate haunted sites, gained popularity on the Steam platform in 2020, attracting players seeking entertainment during pandemic restrictions. Despite being based in England, the game’s development team revamped a level set in the US, sparking curiosity among players in Hamilton about the chosen location.
The decision to incorporate the Hamilton address in the game was spur-of-the-moment, influenced by a painting within the virtual farmhouse. The level designer envisioned a Canadian connection, leading to the selection of the Hamilton postal code for the game’s setting. Although initially intrigued by a potential deeper significance, players like Sharpe and Julia Munro appreciated the randomness and humor in the choice.
The game’s development process for the revamped Bleasdale and Grafton Farmhouse levels involved crafting vague story elements to engage players’ imaginations. The team introduced characters and scenarios, such as an elderly couple and their granddaughter, to add depth to the locations. The attention to detail in the game’s design delighted players who connected with the virtual world, prompting the developers to continue creating immersive experiences that resonate with their audience.