Week 9
Empathy games. A genre I honestly didn't know existed until now. What is it? Well it's your standard game where you are the controller and have agency, however, rather than playing to win or complete something, you play to evoke emotions and make choices drawing from your own experiences when faced with a difficult circumstance. These types of games attempt to put the player in the characters shoes in order to make these decisions. To put it simply, use empathy while playing when making your decisions and play using your own emotions, feelings and experiences.
Now I decided to take some time to play Zoe Quinn, Patrick Lindsey and Isaac Schankler's Depression Quest "an interactive (non) fiction about living with depression" and it is exactly as described.
This game took me on a journey. In the beginning I couldn't find myself interested or connected at all as I made my way through the first few clicks. Slowly I found myself becoming more and more invested in the story, putting myself in those positions and making decisions I felt would benefit me. However, eventually, I found myself waiting for the end, wondering when I could complete the game and if I could even complete the game. I understand it may not be the best way to view such a game but I couldn't help it. All the games I ever played growing up resulted in a winner or the completion of the game. Never in my life had I played something like this.
I'd still say it was a good experience and I'd like to look into and play some other Empathy games, and even revisit depression quest at another time, see if my decisions change. I think it is definitely something everyone should try at some point or another.
But why create an empathy game? Well there could be a variety of reasons. For some, they may create the game as a way of grieving, to help them through the process, much like 'That Dragon Cancer'. Others may use it as a way of helping others who may be in similar situations or for those who know people in similar situation, much like 'Depression Quest'. For the most part I can see how they can be useful and helpful in these situations. It's a creative outlet for people to express themselves.
However, whats the catch? There are some people opposed to the whole thing, looking at it as exploitation. Using 'That Dragon Cancer' for example, a game that follows a family through the sickness and loss of a child. Drawing from such a raw and sorrowful real-life experience to create a form of entertainment for others. The motives of its original creation are irrelevant now that the game is out for everyone to play. The reason I say this is because, intent doesn't matter when you cannot control how the audience will perceive it. The original creator may have simply made it as a way to express his grief, but in doing so in some a public manner, he opens himself up to all kinds of scrutiny. Games such as this can be helpful for some in similar situations but can also be triggering to others. There is no way in insuring that everyone who plays the game has the same experience.
Regardless, no one is able to restrict you from creating what you want. I do believe that empathy games for some is very beneficial, it can help in so many ways. Others may not find them as useful but I don't think that is enough reason to justify any hate towards it. If it is helpful to one person, it is never a bad thing, especially if there is no harm to anyone.
Now I decided to take some time to play Zoe Quinn, Patrick Lindsey and Isaac Schankler's Depression Quest "an interactive (non) fiction about living with depression" and it is exactly as described.
(Screenshot taken from http://www.depressionquest.com/dqfinal.html#)
(Screenshot taken from http://www.depressionquest.com/dqfinal.html#)
But why create an empathy game? Well there could be a variety of reasons. For some, they may create the game as a way of grieving, to help them through the process, much like 'That Dragon Cancer'. Others may use it as a way of helping others who may be in similar situations or for those who know people in similar situation, much like 'Depression Quest'. For the most part I can see how they can be useful and helpful in these situations. It's a creative outlet for people to express themselves.
However, whats the catch? There are some people opposed to the whole thing, looking at it as exploitation. Using 'That Dragon Cancer' for example, a game that follows a family through the sickness and loss of a child. Drawing from such a raw and sorrowful real-life experience to create a form of entertainment for others. The motives of its original creation are irrelevant now that the game is out for everyone to play. The reason I say this is because, intent doesn't matter when you cannot control how the audience will perceive it. The original creator may have simply made it as a way to express his grief, but in doing so in some a public manner, he opens himself up to all kinds of scrutiny. Games such as this can be helpful for some in similar situations but can also be triggering to others. There is no way in insuring that everyone who plays the game has the same experience.
Regardless, no one is able to restrict you from creating what you want. I do believe that empathy games for some is very beneficial, it can help in so many ways. Others may not find them as useful but I don't think that is enough reason to justify any hate towards it. If it is helpful to one person, it is never a bad thing, especially if there is no harm to anyone.
Wow, i really liked your blog Eden! I think the screenshots of the game itself really help is aiding getting your point across in how empathy games are used and why they are impactful. now im thinking i wish i did that haha! i didn't play depression quest, but i did look into my dragon, cancer, which i do agree with you, no two people can experience the game the same way.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your response to this weeks topic on Empathy Games!
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that you were thinking of the end when playing Depression Quest and know that you wouldn't be the only one with those thoughts!
In regards to The Dragon Cancer, I agree that each persons perception can be different and that there is both positives and negatives to this sort of content. I do consider the intent behind such games, I know you mentioned that 'intent doesn't matter when you cannot control how the audience will perceive it', but part of me does believe that if someones intent is to hurt or have a negative effect on the reader on purpose, that isn't the same as someone creating purely to share an experience or emotions in a creative and safe space. The Dragon Cancer I can see how some may find this triggering, but I can also see the emotional empathetic experience the creator was trying to put across as well! It is definitely interesting to think about that's for sure!
Hannah