Games which do not focus on power fantasies but instead narrate personal stories are getting more and more recognition. They come in many flavours: some are abstract and open to interpretation, while others are extremely specific and do not mind that not everyone will be able to relate. What they do have in common is that in each of them, the developers open up and show their vulnerabilities.
But what are the benefits and struggles of using videogames to talk about possibly mundane moments in life? For example, should the creator give the player agency in a linear story about someone else’s experiences, and if not, how does one make the game engaging? This talk will look at the different ways creators provoke empathy in players, using games as medium for self-care and communication.