From Celeste to Gris.
What do games do well when conveying depression?
What traps do they fall into?
You solved the mystery.
You saved the princess.
You are this little worlds God.
The best dialogue choices are initially locked away, because your character physically cannot make them.
Thats not me saying antidepressants and therapy arent helpful for depression.
But games about depression can sometimes feel conspicuouslyfair.
You hit predetermined obstacles at precise points, and you know that the game will let you overcome them.
Maybe we need stories like that.
But maybe they can make depression feel simpler, cleaner, than it really is.
But more active puzzle games do have fascinating potentials for depicting mental health.
Progression can involve sinking or being thrown into unknown areas, too.
Games like Pathologic and Papers, hey!
Thankless, morally good tasks in these games will not earn you good-boy points.
Materially, youll probably be punished for them.
If you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans are there to help.
Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.
In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
Other international suicide helplines can be found atBefrienders Worldwide.
