Since time immemorial, video games were used as an entertainment and escapism tool, as players got to explore fantastical worlds. But the medium has changed over the years and nowadays, several developers are utilizing video games to deal with intricate and real-world problems. Thanks to the innovative storytelling, video games have become the means to discuss such issues as mental health, social inequality, climate change, etc. This development in the storyline of games does not only create awareness but it also promotes compassion and understanding among the gamers.
This article discusses how video games are addressing real-life challenges with their narrative, bringing to light how interactive narratives are being used by the industry to generate discourse and social change.
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- Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Games That Explore Mental Health Struggles
Over the past years, video games have emerged as a potent platform to raise the question of mental health. Such games as Hellblade: Senua Sacrifice or Celeste dive into the topics of depression, anxiety, and self-identity, giving the player a special and frequently cathartic experience.
Hellblade: Senua Sacrifice is a game created by Ninja Theory and narrates the adventures of a warrior Senua who must fight physical opponents and her own inner monsters. Psychosis is what is covered in the game, with the hallucinations, delusions, and thoughts that overwhelm people with the condition being shown in the game. The developers collaborated with neuroscientists and individuals with lived experiences of psychosis to make sure the representation of such experiences was realistic and respectful.
In the meantime, Celeste, a platformer by Maddy Makes Games, addresses the issue of mental health, as the main character, Madeline, is depressed and suffers anxiety. The story and the game mechanics she created mirror her inner conflict and the metaphor of climbing the mountain depicted her struggle with mental health problems. Through gamification of these struggles, Celeste provides its players with a chance to sympathize with the mental and emotional struggles that many people are going through.
Why This Matters
Games such as Hellblade and Celeste contribute to decreasing the stigma of mental illness by describing the mental health problem in a way that is humane and respectful. They also sensitize the population of the difficulties that most people encounter and allow the players to consider their personal feelings of well-being.
- Social Justice and Inequality
Games That Address Social Issues
Social justice has also come into play in the video games, where inequality, racism, and discrimination are examined. Such games as Grand Theft Auto V, Detroit: Become Human, or The Walking Dead series have explored such real-world problems as racial injustice, civil rights, and marginalization.
Detroit: Become Human is a futuristic game that addresses the concept of AI rights and social inequality by Quantic Dream. The game introduces the world in which androids, having acquired sentience, are considered second-grade citizens and are exploited and discriminated against. The three primary androids can be controlled by players and each of them is struggling to achieve independence and equality. The game compels the players to perform hard moral decisions that challenge the worth of life, consciousness, and human rights.
In The Walking Dead, the players view the world of post-apocalypse through the lens of different characters and the horrors that they are going through. The game addresses the theme of survival and human morality with references to such issues as race, gender, and classes. The inclusion of characters with different backgrounds and the way they deal with the break of the society leads to the reflection of the tensions and struggles that can come into existence in front of systemic inequality.
Why This Matters
By addressing real-world social justice issues, these games provide players with a platform to reflect on the injustices present in our world. They encourage empathy for marginalized groups and raise awareness about societal issues, making it easier for players to engage in meaningful discussions about these topics in real life.
- Environmental Issues and Climate Change
Games That Highlight Environmental Concerns
As people are increasingly aware of the climate change and environmental degradation, video games are finally addressing these burning issues of the world. Such games as The Last of Us Part II, Civilization VI, and Subnautica include the elements of the environmental theme, as they make players think about the future of the planet.
The Last of Us Part II is the game produced by Naughty Dog that is set in the post-apocalyptic universe in which the destruction of the human environment has triggered the fall of the society. Although the central plot of the game is based on revenge and loss, it also implicitly refers to the consequences of environmental degradation over a long period. The rich, vegetation coated scenery in the game is a harsh reminder of the way nature reclaims the cities when humans are not around.
Subnautica is a game where one has to survive in an alien planet, managing resources, exploring under water ecosystems and solving environmental puzzles. The game makes a player think about the vulnerability of ecosystems and the role that human beings play in nature, and all this is presented in the form of a survival adventure.
Why This Matters
By incorporating environmental issues into gameplay, these games promote awareness of sustainability and the importance of preserving the planet for future generations. They provide players with an interactive experience that makes them reflect on their relationship with nature, human impact on the environment, and the importance of conservation.
Conclusion
With the video game industry still in its adolescence, the effectiveness of game storytelling has been used as a means to address real world problems. With the help of immersive stories, players can explore such difficult topics as mental health, social justice, environmental issues, and political conflict. Video games are not only enjoyable, but they are giving a voice to reflection, discussion and change by creating meaningful, thought provoking stories. The medium keeps on evolving and hopefully, we will see more games that will look at real world problems and allow the player to have a better insight on the world around them.
