The game is set in the fictional economically depressed town of Kettenstadt, Germany, rather than the series’ namesake Silent Hill. The story follows Anita, who receives a cryptic text message from her friend Maya, who is trapped inside a crumbling apartment building known as “The South Ashfield Heights.”  The message reads: "can't leave til you find it."  Anita ventures into the building to find Maya, but soon discovers a nightmarish world that twists her perception of reality.

Silent Hill: The Short Message utilizes the psychological horror elements that the Silent Hill series is known for. Players explore dark and unsettling environments, encountering disturbing imagery and grotesque monsters. The game also features puzzles that players must solve to progress.

The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmosphere, story, and puzzles.  Critics also enjoyed the use of the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which help to immerse players in the game world.