Read on TwitterWoke up to discussion on what wholesome means/why does it matter, so I wanted to provide a thread on my thoughts since this is a topic near and dear to my heart!
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What are & #39;wholesome games& #39;?
A generalized term to describe games with overall themes of kindness, compassion, inclusivity, and empathy.
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A generalized term to describe games with overall themes of kindness, compassion, inclusivity, and empathy.
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Games can reinforce this in a variety of ways!
Through their aesthetics, via mechanics, narrative & themes, visible representation, accessibility, etc.
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Through their aesthetics, via mechanics, narrative & themes, visible representation, accessibility, etc.
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Wholesome can also be considered an umbrella label that fits many games in a spectrum underneath it.
Can there be wholesome games that include heavy topics? Political themes? Elements of violence? Yes, yes, and yes!
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Can there be wholesome games that include heavy topics? Political themes? Elements of violence? Yes, yes, and yes!
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Wholesome is not simply about forced positivity or being cute/dismissive of reality.
It prioritizes of self-reflection and empathy by providing a space where folks can explore and examine serious topics in an environment that feels safe and/or cozy
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It prioritizes of self-reflection and empathy by providing a space where folks can explore and examine serious topics in an environment that feels safe and/or cozy
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Rather than consider it a blanket term for & #39;cute& #39; or & #39;only happy& #39;, I& #39;d encourage folks to explore and reflect on the nuance that can happen within this category, as there& #39;s lots (and it can make for some really awesome conversation!!)
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Labels and tags like this can be imprecise, which is why I am happy this discussion is happening: it& #39;s important!
Games are new enough, the use of this word is still new enough, that we SHOULD articulate what we& #39;re hoping to convey when we use it!
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Games are new enough, the use of this word is still new enough, that we SHOULD articulate what we& #39;re hoping to convey when we use it!
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Ultimately, my hope with using & #39;wholesome& #39; to describe games?
To be able to find a common language with other folks who value this type of experience so we can better celebrate and communicate with one another when we DO find these games to play!
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To be able to find a common language with other folks who value this type of experience so we can better celebrate and communicate with one another when we DO find these games to play!
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Fun fact: there are names for these kind of movements in media. Hopepunk and New Sincerity as two of the more prominent ones. Check & #39;em out!
This is all about believing that trying/caring/having faith in humanity (unironically!) is a form of bravery and strength!
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This is all about believing that trying/caring/having faith in humanity (unironically!) is a form of bravery and strength!
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BONUS!
For a fun read that inspired a lot of my thinking around coziness and general wholesomeness in games, please check out this article by a group of folks I admire:
https://www.projecthorseshoe.com/reports/featured/ph17r3.htm">https://www.projecthorseshoe.com/reports/f...
For a fun read that inspired a lot of my thinking around coziness and general wholesomeness in games, please check out this article by a group of folks I admire:
https://www.projecthorseshoe.com/reports/featured/ph17r3.htm">https://www.projecthorseshoe.com/reports/f...
Okay, I lied one more thing!
I& #39;ve spent LOTS of time thinking about this topic ~ if you want to hear more, check out my first PAX Panel! It features folks like @pkkaos, @Wallstormer , and @amblingpanda who are very articulate and wonderful ^_^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN5GXrvUrVA">https://www.youtube.com/watch...
I& #39;ve spent LOTS of time thinking about this topic ~ if you want to hear more, check out my first PAX Panel! It features folks like @pkkaos, @Wallstormer , and @amblingpanda who are very articulate and wonderful ^_^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN5GXrvUrVA">https://www.youtube.com/watch...
