How can game mechanics help players empathize with others?

1 Game mechanics and empathy

Game mechanics are the rules and systems that define how a game works and how players interact with it. They can influence the player's motivation, engagement, and behavior. Some game mechanics can also foster empathy by making the player adopt different perspectives, face moral dilemmas, or connect with other characters. For example, role-playing games (RPGs) often allow the player to customize their avatar, choose their dialogue options, and shape their story. This can help the player empathize with their character and the game world.

2 Game genres and empathy

Game genres are categories of games that share common features, themes, and styles. They can also affect the player's empathy by creating different expectations, moods, and challenges. Some game genres are more conducive to empathy than others, depending on how they present the narrative, the characters, and the gameplay. For example, adventure games often focus on exploration, puzzles, and story-telling. They can help the player empathize with the protagonist and the environment by immersing them in a rich and interactive world.

3 Game examples and empathy

To illustrate how game mechanics and game genres can help players empathize with others, let's look at some examples of games that have been praised for their empathic potential. One of them is The Walking Dead, an episodic adventure game based on the comic book series of the same name. The game puts the player in the role of Lee Everett, a convicted murderer who tries to survive and protect a young girl named Clementine in a zombie apocalypse. The game mechanics involve making choices that have consequences for the story and the characters, as well as interacting with other survivors. The game genre creates a tense and emotional atmosphere that makes the player care about the characters and their fate.

Another example is Papers, Please, a simulation game that casts the player as an immigration officer in a fictional dystopian country. The game mechanics involve checking the documents of the applicants, deciding who to let in or reject, and dealing with the consequences of their actions. The game genre creates a bleak and oppressive environment that makes the player question their morality and empathy.

4 Game benefits and empathy

Playing games that can help players empathize with others can have various benefits for their personal and professional development, such as improving social skills, enhancing emotional intelligence, and broadening perspectives. For instance, cooperative games like Portal 2 or Overcooked can help players work together and solve problems. Emotional games like Journey or That Dragon, Cancer can help players express, understand, and regulate their emotions. Educational games like Assassin's Creed or Valiant Hearts can help players learn about different historical periods and events. In this way, gaming can be a powerful tool for fostering empathy.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?