The National Library Board and Haw Par Villa team up to create an immersive, generative horror experience.
SINGAPORE – This Halloween, the National Library Board (NLB) and Haw Par Villa have teamed up to launch an innovative AI-driven horror experience. The Node: StoryGen (Horror Edition) offers visitors a unique chance to create their own personalized horror stories using generative AI technology.
The experience, which began in October, allows participants to select from a variety of prompts, such as popular folklore characters like the Pontianak or traditional fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood. After selecting their preferred storyline, characters, setting, and ending, visitors watch as their AI-generated horror tales unfold on screen.
During the event, participants can immerse themselves in the eerie atmosphere of themed rooms—one styled as a funeral setting and another inspired by traditional kampung culture. The author of this article, for example, entered a room designed like a pontianak scene, complete with a mannequin dressed as the bloodthirsty ghost. As the story played out on screen, it depicted a polar bear and a tabby cat battling the supernatural threat.
The experience includes 10-second visual sequences that showcase the AI-generated narrative. While the haunting visuals and suspenseful setup are engaging, the addition of sound effects or other scare elements could enhance the overall experience for horror fans looking for a thrill.
Despite this, the StoryGen (Horror Edition) provides a fascinating intersection of AI technology, local literature, and folklore. It’s an engaging way for visitors to dive into Singapore’s rich cultural history while exploring the potential of AI storytelling. The event continues on Nov 2 and 3 at Haw Par Villa, offering a brief but memorable immersion into AI-powered horror.
