Videogames as Empathy Engines: 13 Games With Something Profound to Say

Videogames are a phenomenal medium, capable of transporting us to fantastic realms and engaging our minds in ways we might not otherwise experience. Yet, some games have a unique ability to forge a profound emotional connection, leaving a lasting impact long after the screen goes dark. They don't just entertain us; they cultivate empathy and introspection, acting as a mirror to our shared humanity.

Here are thirteen games that have resonated with me deeply, showcasing the power of this medium. Each of these games, in its own unique way, acts as a sophisticated empathy engine. They use their specific mechanics—from wordless co-op to environmental storytelling—to bypass intellectual understanding and go straight to emotional resonance.

1. Flow

This elegant exploration of the evolution of life reminds us of the interconnectedness of all beings. As you navigate a primordial soup, absorbing other life forms to grow, the experience is meditative and humbling, a quiet reminder that all life is part of a grand, continuous cycle. It is accompanied by Austin Wintory's majestic score that envelopes you in a spiritual hug.

2. Gone Home

Stepping into an empty house, you feel an immediate sense of unease. This game masterfully builds a narrative through environmental storytelling, allowing you to piece together the story of a young woman's journey of self-discovery. It's a poignant exploration of identity, family and the challenges of being true to oneself, particularly within the queer experience.

3. Dear Esther

This game is less an adventure and more a piece of interactive art told through the walking simulator process. A man wanders a desolate Hebridean island, his voice narrating fragments of text that reveal a deeper story of loss and memory. Its enigmatic narrative and hauntingly beautiful landscape evoke a sense of profound melancholy and introspection. The score by Jessica Curry is beautifully stark and reaches a beautiful crescendo at the journey's end.

4. Journey

Journey is a powerful testament to the meaning of life and the connections we make along the way. Without any dialogue, you can forge a bond with a fellow traveler as you embark on a trek across a vast desert. The wordless co-op experience is deeply moving, teaching us that even brief connections can leave a lasting impression. Once again, Austin Wintory's multi-award winning score elevates the experience to a spiritual level.

5. Everyone Has Gone to the Rapture

Exploring a deserted English village, you uncover the stories of its vanished inhabitants. The game builds an eerie atmosphere as you piece together what happened, forcing you to confront the unsettling thought of what lies beyond our mortal understanding. It’s a beautiful and unnerving look at faith and the end of the world. The music by Jessica Curry is beautiful and reminds me of Vaughan Williams or Elgar.

6. Monument Valley II

This puzzle game is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant portrayal of the mother-daughter relationship. Guiding a mother and child through Escher-like architectural puzzles, the game becomes a gentle meditation on the journey of a parent letting their child go and the beauty of independence.

7. Before Your Eyes

Before Your Eyes is a touching narrative about the afterlife and the chance to confront past regrets. The game is a metaphor for reflection, suggesting that even in death, there can be an opportunity for redemption and peace by revisiting and correcting past mistakes.

8. Wandersong

In a world of heroes and epic quests, you play as a simple bard who believes in the power of song. Wandersong is a beautiful reminder that you are enough just as you are. The protagonist doesn't need to be a mighty warrior; their true power lies in their ability to connect with others and spread joy. The soundtrack is also beautifully eclectic and deeply touching in places.

9. Nier: Automata

This game is a masterclass in philosophical storytelling. Nier: Automata delves into concepts like existentialism and humanism, compelling you to question the very definition of humanity through the eyes of androids. The narrative, inspired by thinkers like Camus and Nietzsche, uses sacrifice and loss to create a profound and beautiful emotional arc, especially in its poignant final act. The soundtrack is also an all-timer!

10. Clair Obscura: Expedition 33

This is the most recent game to deeply affect me and was the main prompt for this post. Clair Obscura made me ponder the profound concept of 'those that come after.' The game raises a critical question: what do we owe future generations? It serves as a reminder that our legacy isn't just for ourselves but for the people who will inherit the world we leave behind. This also has an amazing soundtrack!

11. What Remains of Edith Finch

The curse of the Finch family isn't just a plot device; it's an inescapable sense of fate. As you step into each family member's story, you feel the weight of their lives and their tragic ends. The story of the baby, in particular, renders a simple, joyful moment of imagination so beautifully that its abrupt, tragic end hurts all the more. The game doesn't just show you grief, it helps you feel the devastating finality of it.

12. To the Moon

This pixel art game beautifully pieces together a dying man’s wish. It breaks down a life into its most fundamental components: a memory, a promise, a feeling of being unfulfilled. It’s the perfect medium for a story as fragile as a memory, making every conversation and flashback feel significant. It allows us to understand the weight of a promise, even an unspoken one, and the quiet beauty of a peaceful end.

13. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

This game uses dual-stick controls not as a gimmick, but as the physical manifestation of a relationship. It is the bridge between two controllers and two hearts, ensuring the cooperation feels natural and the separation feels wrong. The final moments are a culmination of every shared step and challenge, delivering a gut punch of an ending that reminds us that even though we lost a character, we gained a powerful memory.