Character Matters
Games have the power to help us reflect on our own life choices.
I saw a meme recently that said something like this:
“Always be yourself. Unless you can be Batman. Then always be Batman.”
I love Batman. His backstory, his journey, those he influences, as well as those he fights. I love that he is an average person (okay, above average) who uses his resources to fight crime in the city he loves. I love that he often wrestles with the morality of his actions. I love all of it.
The world of Batman is rich with characters. Many villains are based on classic comic tropes (clowns, jesters, cats, scarecrows) but with highly sinister twists. Batman himself is larger than life, choosing the path of being more fearful than the villains, making nightfall a scary place if you are up to no good.
It’s no wonder that after 82 years, we still can’t wait for the next iteration.
It’s the opportunity to “play” Batman that makes his games so attractive to me. I can put on the cape and cowl, swing through the streets of Gotham, and figure out how to stop whatever criminal is plotting doom for the people there. Believe it or not, it’s hard work. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Not unlike my childhood, I escape not only into a great story but into the world where I have agency. I can do something. I’m not watching it happen; I am making it happen.
I’m Batman.
But what if, instead of being a fictitious troubled vigilante with a violent past who prowls the night inflicting pain on those who would harm the innocent, we could learn something infinitely more valuable?
What if, through the player expereince, we could learn to be free of things like jealousy, greed, anger, and guilt? What if we could tell stories that help people expereince forgiveness and compassion? What if the character you are playing teaches you more about yourself?
The power of gaming goes far beyond entertainment. Some studies support the idea that players immersed in a game will find themselves reflecting on their choices long after the game is over and let those reflections influence their decisions in the real world.
Video games have existed for over 50 years. Still, we are just beginning to explore their potential for creating compelling experiences.
