Right now, nothing is easy. It’s hard to imagine things getting better, given where we’re at right now—a raging, global pandemic, a violent attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government, and no real end in sight for the hardships we continue to endure. Scattered among the difficulties, though, are bright spots that make it easier to cope. To wit: video games. Whether you are a single person craving connection or the parent of a toddler desperate for some alone time (hello, it’s me), video games can help—help you find solitude, or just help turn your brain off, keep your hands busy, and stop you from doomscrolling for a while.
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hopes and dreamsPostapocalyptic Video Games Saved Me From Pandemic DespairEsther MollicaThe year 2020 brought about many plot twists, but one of the welcome ones was buoyed by the Covid-19 lockdowns: “Casual gamers” entered the mainstream. In a time of economic hardship for many, console sales were up more than 35 percent. People picked up controllers for the first time ever, or for the first time in years, and lost themselves in entirely different worlds. “Casual gamer” used to have a pejorative connotation; it meant someone was not committed to “real” gaming. But for a lot of people, casual gaming is just a preferred mode of playing, something they do for distraction or to hide from their kids (or, hopefully someday soon in my case, to spend time with my kid). Being casual about it doesn’t mean they love gaming any less, and as the events of the past year transformed legions of new fans into button-mashers, their ranks became a formidable part of gaming culture.
Even though I’ve been a gamer for most of my life, I consider myself one of these more low-key players. I actually stopped playing for a few years because, as a woman of color, I didn’t feel valued by the gaming community. I was already experiencing daily harassment thanks to my very online day job, and I didn’t want to bring that into my personal life as well. What’s more, developers and studios seemed to be prioritizing titles and gameplay styles I didn’t want. I had no interest in playing online or multiplayer (and have even less interest now). I didn’t like (and am terrible at) first-person shooters. I can’t handle multibutton combos to fight. And I am a huge and vocal fan of playing games on Easy mode.
I came back to gaming with the release of the Nintendo Switch. Quickly thereafter, I bought a PS4 Pro. I started with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild; that unfolded into Stardew Valley and Horizon Zero Dawn. Studios and developers, it seemed, were finally realizing that there were a huge number of gamers with disposable income who just wanted to have a good time. We’re not trying to be esports pros, but we are committed.
This last year has really helped me solidify and accept the kind of gamer I am. As a parent, I don’t have long, unbroken stretches of hours to sink into a game. That’s not to say I’m not playing Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla—I totally am—but the amount of time I have to play is limited on any given day. And right now, gaming is a more valuable escape than ever. I don’t mind if it takes me months to finish a game, but I can’t be so frustrated I want to throw the controller at the screen. Instead, I need ease and enjoyment. I have no shame, and I don’t find it virtuous or fun to choose a higher difficulty setting. (Some people do! That’s OK!)
My story isn’t really unique, especially this year. Animal Crossing: New Horizons brought so many gamers to the fold. We’ve all basked in the simple pleasures of this soothing game, allowing it to deliver comfort and escape when the world seemed to be crumbling. I know many people continue to log on and play for hours every day, but I’m not one of them. Once I completed the main storyline and outfitted my island the way I wanted it, I was finished. I need a goal with my gaming. I love exploration and experiencing the full breadth a game has to offer, but at some point, I need some sense of completion. I also really value a good story.
