7 Must-Play Indie Games about Mental Health Struggles
Mental health issues are becoming more common in today’s society, and it’s important to have an open dialogue about them. Video games have become an increasingly popular medium for exploring mental health issues, and there are many indie games that have tackled these topics with unique gameplay mechanics and powerful storytelling. In this article, we’ll explore 7 great indie games about mental health that offer valuable insights into these important issues.
“Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” by Ninja Theory
“Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful game that explores the journey of a Celtic warrior named Senua as she battles her own inner demons. The game’s unique mechanic is that it accurately simulates the experience of psychosis, with voices in the character’s head and distorted visuals.
The game’s developers consulted with mental health experts to ensure that the portrayal of mental illness was accurate and respectful. The result is a game that is both immersive and educational, providing players with a window into the experience of psychosis.
“Celeste” by Matt Makes Games
“Celeste” is a platformer that follows the journey of a young woman named Madeline as she climbs a mountain. While the game’s mechanics are simple, the game’s difficulty ramps up quickly, making it a challenging and rewarding experience.
The game’s themes center around anxiety and depression, and Madeline’s journey up the mountain serves as a metaphor for the struggles of living with mental illness. “Celeste” has won numerous awards and has been praised for its honest and sensitive portrayal of mental health issues.
“Sea of Solitude” by Jo-Mei Games
“Sea of Solitude” is an exploration game that follows the journey of a young woman named Kay as she navigates a world of loneliness and despair. The game’s visuals are stunning, with a dark and moody atmosphere that perfectly captures the feeling of depression.
The game’s mechanics revolve around Kay’s ability to transform into a bird, which allows her to explore the world from a new perspective. The game’s themes center around loneliness, depression, and self-acceptance, and the game has been praised for its sensitivity and emotional depth.
“Night in the Woods” by Infinite Fall
“Night in the Woods” is a narrative-driven game that follows the journey of a young woman named Mae as she returns to her hometown after dropping out of college. The game’s mechanics are simple, with players exploring the town and interacting with its residents.
The game’s themes center around depression, anxiety, and the struggle to find meaning in life. The game has been praised for its relatable characters and its honest portrayal of mental health issues.
“Depression Quest” by Zoe Quinn
“Depression Quest” is a text-based game that follows the journey of a young person struggling with depression. The game’s mechanics are simple, with players making choices that impact the character’s mood and overall mental state.
The game’s themes center around depression, anxiety, and the difficulty of seeking help. The game has been praised for its raw and honest portrayal of mental health issues, and for its ability to create empathy and understanding among players.
“Papo & Yo” by Minority Media
“Papo & Yo” is a puzzle-platformer that follows the journey of a young boy named Quico as he navigates a magical world inspired by Brazilian favelas. The game’s mechanics revolve around Quico’s ability to manipulate the environment by moving objects and opening portals.
The game’s themes center around addiction, abuse, and the struggle to reconcile with a loved one who has a substance abuse problem. The game has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to use gameplay mechanics to tell a powerful and moving story.
“Graveyard Keeper” by Lazy Bear Games
“Graveyard Keeper” is a simulation game that puts players in the shoes of a graveyard manager in a medieval town. The game’s mechanics revolve around managing resources, crafting items, and maintaining the graveyard.
The game’s themes center around depression and the struggle to find meaning in life. The game has been praised for its dark humor and its ability to use gameplay mechanics to explore serious issues.
Why Games are a Great Medium for Promoting Awareness about Mental Health Issues
Video games have become an increasingly popular medium for exploring mental health issues, and there are several reasons why this is the case. First, video games allow players to experience mental health issues in a safe and controlled environment. This can be particularly valuable for people who are struggling with mental health issues in their own lives, as it can provide a sense of validation and understanding.
Second, video games can be a powerful tool for promoting empathy and understanding. By putting players in the shoes of a character struggling with mental health issues, video games can create a sense of connection and empathy that is difficult to achieve through other mediums.
Finally, video games can be a valuable tool for promoting education and awareness about mental health issues. Games like “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” and “Depression Quest” provide players with valuable insights into the experience of living with mental illness, and can help to reduce the stigma and misinformation that often surround these issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great indie games about mental health that offer valuable insights into these important issues. From the visually stunning and emotionally powerful “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” to the darkly humorous “Graveyard Keeper,” these games use unique gameplay mechanics and powerful storytelling to explore themes of depression, anxiety, addiction, and more. As video games continue to evolve as a medium, we can expect to see more and more games that tackle these important issues with sensitivity, empathy, and insight.
