While many players use gaming to escape reality or compete with others, a new perspective suggests that video games need more suffering, much like the Slay the Princess devs say. This idea explores the profound impact of emotional difficulty and how it shapes our connection to interactive media.
Why Developers Believe Video Games Need More Suffering
During an interview regarding this topic, Black Tabby Games co-founder Tony Arias-Howard offered a provocative take on the necessity of struggle. While the notion of playing a game specifically to suffer might sound unappealing during hard times, Arias-Howard admitted, "I'm only half-kidding."
The debate over whether video games need more suffering touches on how we process the most impactful stories. When reflecting on favorite titles, it is often the experiences that challenge us emotionally—leading us through "hell" and toward catharsis—that occupy the largest recesses of our minds.
Finding Catharsis Through Emotional Risk
Through games, film, and various other forms of art, we are offered a relatively risk-free space to delve deep into our feelings. This controlled environment allows players to reflect on difficult aspects of the human condition without real-world consequences. These experiences often focus on:
- Processing profound loss
- Navigating personal trauma
- Confronting parts of ourselves we would rather ignore
Despite these rewards, many creators still hesitate to implement such heavy themes. If the goal is to create a lasting impact, it raises a vital question: why do developers all too often shy away from suffering, even when they know the emotional rewards it reaps?
