Games and Bereavement - How Video Games Represent Attachment, Loss, and Grief

Videogames can portray love and loss through tragic inter-character relationships and pregnancy loss, as explored in Sabine Harrer's book Games and Bereavement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Videogames have the potential to portray love and loss in a unique and powerful way. By exploring the emotional experiences of grief, games can help players connect with characters and situations in a way that is both meaningful and relatable. One way that games can portray love and loss is through the use of narrative. Games can create complex and nuanced stories that explore the relationships between characters and the impact of loss on their lives. For example, in the game "The Last of Us," the player follows the story of Joel and Ellie, two survivors in a post-apocalyptic world. As they travel across the country, they face numerous challenges, including loss, betrayal, and the loss of loved ones. The game's narrative is deeply emotional, and it allows players to experience the pain and loss that the characters are going through.

Another way that games can portray love and loss is through the use of gameplay. Games can create immersive and interactive environments that allow players to interact with the world in a meaningful way. For example, in the game "Gone Home," the player explores a haunted house and discovers the story of a family that has disappeared. The game's gameplay is designed to be slow and methodical, allowing players to explore the house and uncover its secrets. The game's narrative is deeply emotional, and it allows players to experience the pain and loss that the family is going through.

In addition to narrative and gameplay, games can also use visual and audio design to portray love and loss. For example, in the game "The Last of Us," the game's visual design is stunning, and it creates a sense of isolation and despair. The game's audio design is also powerful, and it uses music and sound effects to create a sense of tension and anxiety.

However, it is important to note that not all games portray love and loss in a positive way. Some games can be violent or exploitative, and they can perpetuate harmful stereotypes or attitudes. It is important for game developers to be aware of these issues and to work to create games that are respectful and inclusive of all players.

One way that game developers can create games that portray love and loss in a positive way is by working with grievers. Game designers can work with grievers to understand their experiences and to create games that are meaningful and relatable to them. This can involve conducting participatory design studies with grievers, where game designers work with grievers to design and test games.

In addition to working with grievers, game developers can also use storytelling techniques to portray love and loss in a positive way. For example, in the game "The Last of Us," the game's narrative is deeply emotional, and it allows players to experience the pain and loss that the characters are going through. However, the game's narrative is also hopeful, and it shows that there is always hope for healing and recovery.

Another way that game developers can portray love and loss in a positive way is by creating games that are accessible to all players. Games can be expensive, and they can be difficult for some players to access. By creating games that are accessible to all players, game developers can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the emotional impact of games.

In conclusion, videogames have the potential to portray love and loss in a unique and powerful way. By exploring the emotional experiences of grief, games can help players connect with characters and situations in a way that is both meaningful and relatable. Game developers can create games that are respectful and inclusive of all players by working with grievers, using storytelling techniques, and creating games that are accessible to all players. By doing so, videogames can help to promote healing and recovery for those who are grieving.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 226 x 147 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837644159