Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs Discussion Topic Part 1

[Jack O'Lantern]

The problem with jump scares is that they startle the player, and then the player laughs at themselves and it takes them out of the game. It breaks the atmosphere and immersion.

Jump scares have to be very well planned out for them to work. An example of one that could work:
You are exploring a dark and creepy area, with the occasional sound of monsters in the distance. As you are walking you hear a sudden crash - very loud and very close. You turn around to see that it is a vase you have knocked over. You are frustrated with yourself for knocking it over and embarrassed with yourself for freaking out so much. And that's when you hear the sound of rotten feet scraping across the floor - getting closer each second.

And for the rest of the game, the player is terrified that they will knock over a vase again.