Content warning for mention of terminal illness.
The computer-controlled king also takes his turn.
By night, the king’s corruption spreads to infest map tiles with hideous winged demons.
But there is only ever one final outcome: the king will die.
I began playing Armello a few months after my sister Bea was diagnosed with cancer in late 2018.
She passed away a few weeks ago.
Bea and I played many videogames together, she and I being the geeks of the household.
This article isn’t a claim for some special status for videogames as means of therapy.
Playing a videogameforsomeone is a far more elaborate skill than just playing to win.
A videogame is primarily an expressive tool, even if the audience is simply the player herself.
When playing for another, it requires an awareness of their tastes and sensitivities.
Bea greatly enjoyed gossipy RPGs, for instance.
Bea shared my love of eldritch realms, but she didn’t relish being pounced upon by their denizens.
We also shared a love of garrulous villains.
Sometimes, though, no story or characterisation elements were needed.
Probably, a lot of it was unwanted.
Streaming can be bruising work, even if you’re a cisgender white male.
It’s an idea I’ve tried to put into practice during hands-on events (remember those?)
Look at this amazing thing you’ve made!
See how it sings and dances even in my clumsy fingers.
Being careful of others is a form of self-care.
