Finding Solace in Pixels: Navigating the Intricate Landscape of Grief through Video Game Design

A person playing a video game

Can Video Games Provide a New Perspective on Grieving?

Delving into the intricate tapestry of emotions, video games have started to carve out a niche where players navigate through narratives steeped in grief and loss. "That Dragon, Cancer," an autobiographical journey through a parent’s eyes as their child battles cancer, is one such exploration that has not only garnered accolades but has also opened a dialogue about death, loss, and grieving through the interactive medium of gaming.

Dissecting Grief Through the Digital Lens

Understanding grief is pivotal to exploring its portrayal in video games. Defined as a multifaceted response to loss, traditionally through death, grief can also permeate our beings through different losses, such as those of relationships or careers. Video games, with their emotionally charged narratives and characters, immerse players in stories, fostering a deep connection that potentially allows an insightful gaze into personal and collective experiences of loss.

Emotional Narratives: The Power of Virtual Bonds

"Spiritfarer" exemplifies a narrative where players navigate through emotions, embodying Stella, a Spiritfarer who guides spirits towards the afterlife. Forming bonds with these entities, players become enveloped in their stories, eventually learning the art of letting go, embodying various stages and emotional intricacies of grieving within the gameplay.

Utilising the Dual Process Model (DPM) in Game Design

The Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement

In an attempt to weave psychological frameworks into game design, the Dual Process Model (DPM) by Stroebe and Schut can provide insights into grief management. DPM emphasizes an oscillation strategy where grieving individuals alternate between confronting and avoiding their grief, spanning loss-oriented and restoration-oriented stressors. Embedding such psychological models into game design, as explored in my dissertation, provides a nuanced approach for designers to create experiences that could facilitate a player's journey through bereavement and loss.

A Hybrid Framework for Grieving in Game Development

By intertwining the DPM with the Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics (MDA) framework, a new model emerges that aids in sculpting video games around grief. The MDA framework, renowned in game design for dissecting game components, synergizes with the DPM to foster a gameplay environment that's not merely an emotional journey but also a potential therapeutic tool for navigating through the personal experiences of grief.

Conclusion: The Ethical Responsibility in Designing Grief-Centric Games

While blending the DPM and MDA frameworks showcases potential in creating emotionally resonant games that explore grief, it is paramount for developers to tread ethically and responsibly, ensuring the emotional and psychological welfare of players. Engaging with bereavement and psychological experts, providing apt resources, and maintaining a keen sensitivity towards the players’ emotional journey ensures the integrity and impactful potential of such gaming experiences.

Make sure to check out our newest EGS podcast episode, where we delve into the poignant topic of grief in gaming. Also on the discussion table are insightful talks about speculative game design and the innovative use of AI in the gaming industry.