Surprised not to see any From games on this list, which are the most commonly I’ve seen cited for personal growth—not in places like here in LessWrong, but on Reddit and YouTube comments in gaming sections. Though the anecdotes are often less about learning new skills and more about gaining confidence or getting back the feeling of control in one’s life. A motivation booster, essentially.
Back when I was more depressed/dysphoric I used to play dark souls whenever it got especially bad. The feeling of competence and control of going through the zones fighting the monsters and perfectly executing each action was incredibly restorative. Even when I died, I always felt like it was my fault, as opposed to some vague undefinable thing I couldn’t hope to fight or stop.
Even when I died, I always felt like it was my fault, as opposed to some vague undefinable thing I couldn’t hope to fight or stop.
Absolutely this.
Even some of the best players at other games (I’m thinking Starcraft, Hearthstone) can complain about unfair randomness and opponents getting lucky. But Soulsborne bosses do a really good job of training you that everything is beatable, you just need to practice and improve. (Though there are the rare engagements that give you limited control over their outcomes—like Vyke in Elden Ring.)
Surprised not to see any From games on this list, which are the most commonly I’ve seen cited for personal growth—not in places like here in LessWrong, but on Reddit and YouTube comments in gaming sections. Though the anecdotes are often less about learning new skills and more about gaining confidence or getting back the feeling of control in one’s life. A motivation booster, essentially.
Back when I was more depressed/dysphoric I used to play dark souls whenever it got especially bad. The feeling of competence and control of going through the zones fighting the monsters and perfectly executing each action was incredibly restorative. Even when I died, I always felt like it was my fault, as opposed to some vague undefinable thing I couldn’t hope to fight or stop.
Absolutely this.
Even some of the best players at other games (I’m thinking Starcraft, Hearthstone) can complain about unfair randomness and opponents getting lucky. But Soulsborne bosses do a really good job of training you that everything is beatable, you just need to practice and improve. (Though there are the rare engagements that give you limited control over their outcomes—like Vyke in Elden Ring.)