Game Developer Utilizes Actual Colonoscopy Images for Textures in Horror Game

More than two decades after its initial launch, an intriguing revelation surrounding the design of System Shock 2 has emerged, attributing part of its aesthetic inspiration to an unexpected source: a colonoscopy.

In a recent episode of Nightdive Studios’ Deep Dive podcast, former Irrational Games artist Nate Wells disclosed the origins of the game’s notorious “sphincter doors.” To craft the unsettling and organic appearance of alien settings within System Shock 2, Wells utilized genuine medical imagery, specifically still frames extracted from a colonoscopy.

Using Real Medical Footage in Game Design

Wells explained, “I was rummaging through various biological endoscopy materials when Josh Randall approached me, offering his colonoscopy video.” He added, “He provided me with stills from the procedure. Although I altered them significantly, if you examine those doors closely, you’re looking at Josh’s colon.”

The “sphincter doors” make their appearance towards the final chapters of the game, inviting players into the nightmarish biological domain of The Many, a grotesque hive-mind entity that has overtaken the Von Braun space vessel. In stark contrast to the cleaner corridors of earlier game levels, the unsettling, fleshy walls enhance the game’s horror elements, with the incorporation of actual medical footage intensifying the discomfort.

Sphincter Door in System Shock 2 — Looking Glass Studios

Wells has a proven track record for creating deeply atmospheric and unsettling environments. Following his work on System Shock 2, he contributed to notable titles like BioShock and The Last of Us, both of which are renowned for their eerie settings and disturbing enemies.

Launched in 1999, System Shock 2 is often hailed as a landmark in the sci-fi horror game genre. This newfound insider detail not only enriches the game’s legacy but also adds a layer of visceral authenticity to its design. The grotesque design was not merely an artistic choice; it was genuinely organic in nature.

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