Although it has developed very strongly in recent years, it is undeniable that online games are still subject to a lot of negative stereotypes. The peak of this prejudice was in the years 2009 – 2010, when there were many dramas, scandals, and social problems stemming from excessive online game addiction. To the point that the WHO then had to list “gaming addiction” as a mental illness. However, it must be said again and again, online games not only entertain, but sometimes do better than what it is asked to do. Examples are the cases below.
Animal Crossing
Once a hit game in 2021, especially during a time when the disease broke out globally, Animal Crossing, with a new style of play, did not take too long to conquer gamers. However, perhaps few people know that, according to statistics from a YouTuber, Animal Crossing has contributed to the treatment of depression for many people.
Boldly Wired – a YouTuber, said it was Animal Crossing that saved his life. Specifically, as Boldly said, he has been feeling depressed, sad, unmotivated and disoriented in life for a while. But then, Animal Crossing came and pulled Boldly out of this quagmire, giving him “something to look forward to” with real-time in-game progression.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
It’s hard to understand mental illness if you haven’t experienced it. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice – a disease simulation game where the main character has to experience, literally, fight the demons in her mind, which is said to be of great help to the characters. mentally ill patients.
During an online gaming-related health conference, Dr. Paul Fletcher gave an example of a patient with schizophrenia who didn’t know how to describe his symptoms until before the guy who came to Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. Even another example was given to show the importance of this game, when a parent admitted, their child almost thought it over, and changed his mind after playing Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.
It Takes Two
Not related to diseases like the two games mentioned above, but It Takes Two also contributes to “beautifying” life in a way that not many people expect.
Stephanie Minor, a journalist for The Gamer, explains that this game means more to her than any other game in her life. At the time she started playing It Takes Two, she and her husband were having marital problems and even thought about getting a divorce. After a while, they decided to try playing It Takes Two to increase their interaction and bond.
The content of the game involves building houses, and the gameplay forces the two to work together, communicate to develop. Not only that, but Minor explained that the game made her laugh and boosted her mood – something she hadn’t felt in a long time. While “It Takes Two” wasn’t the only thing that saved their marriage, it was certainly a hugely important tool in the process.