Stepping into Another's Shoes: How Narrative-Driven Games Teach Empathy

Video games are often relegated to mindless entertainment, but the truth is, they can be powerful tools for fostering empathy and understanding. Narrative-driven games, in particular, offer a unique opportunity to step outside of ourselves and experience the world through the eyes of another. Through compelling stories and well-developed characters, these games allow us to connect with emotions, motivations, and struggles that might be vastly different from our own.

The Power of Perspective:

Imagine inhabiting the body of a war refugee fleeing their homeland or a young woman fighting for her right to education in a restrictive society. These are experiences many of us will never have firsthand. Narrative-driven games bridge this gap by placing us directly in the shoes of these characters, allowing us to feel their fear, frustration, or determination (Ho, & Ng, 2022). Studies by Prot, et al., (2014) have shown that playing narrative-driven games can lead to increased perspective-taking, a key component of empathy. As we navigate the challenges and choices presented by the narrative, we begin to see the world from a different point of view.

Emotional Connection Through Interactive Storytelling:

Unlike passive forms of storytelling like movies or books, narrative-driven games make us active participants. We control the character's actions, make choices that impact the story, and experience the consequences firsthand. This interactivity creates a deeper emotional connection to the characters and their struggles. Research by Proulx, Romero, & Arnab (2017) suggests that players of narrative-driven games report feeling a wider range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and joy, alongside the characters. This emotional engagement allows us to develop a sense of compassion and understanding for the character's plight.

Moral Dilemmas and the Gray Areas of Life:

Narrative-driven games often present us with difficult moral choices. Do we steal to survive? Do we betray a friend for the greater good? These dilemmas force us to confront complex ethical issues and consider the potential consequences of our actions, not just for ourselves but for others within the game world. By grappling with these gray areas, we develop a more nuanced understanding of human behavior and the motivations behind difficult choices. Research by Delhove, & Greitemeyer, (2020) found that playing games with prosocial narratives led to increased empathy and helping behaviors in real life.

Beyond the Controller: Empathy in the Real World:

The lessons learned from narrative-driven games can extend beyond the virtual world. By experiencing different perspectives and developing empathy for fictional characters, we become more attuned to the emotions and experiences of those around us in real life. This newfound empathy can lead to increased social connection, improved communication skills, and a greater ability to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Conclusion:

Narrative-driven games are not just a form of entertainment; they are powerful tools for fostering empathy and understanding. By allowing us to experience the world from different perspectives, connect with characters on an emotional level, and grapple with complex moral dilemmas, these games can help us become more compassionate and engaged members of society. So, the next time you pick up a controller, consider the potential for learning and growth within the narrative.

References

Delhove, M., & Greitemeyer, T. (2020). The relationship between video game character preferences and aggressive and prosocial personality traits. Psychology of popular media, 9(1), 96.

Ho, J. C., & Ng, R. (2022). Perspective-taking of non-player characters in prosocial virtual reality games: Effects on closeness, empathy, and game immersion. Behaviour & Information Technology, 41(6), 1185-1198. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2020.1864018

Prot, S., Gentile, D. A., Anderson, C. A., Suzuki, K., Swing, E., Lim, K. M., Horiuchi, Y., Jelic, M., Krahé, B., Liuqing, W., Liau, A. K., Khoo, A., Petrescu, P. D., Sakamoto, A., Tajima, S., Toma, R. A., Warburton, W., Zhang, X., & Lam, B. C. P. (2014). Long-Term Relations Among Prosocial-Media Use, Empathy, and Prosocial Behavior. Psychological Science, 25(2), 358-368. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797613503854

 Proulx, J. N., Romero, M., & Arnab, S. (2017). Learning mechanics and game mechanics under the perspective of self-determination theory to foster motivation in digital game based learning. Simulation & Gaming, 48(1), 81-97. https://doi.org/10.1177/10468781166743