The Emotional Pull of Video Games


A video game’s ability to fuse interactivity with other mediums helps create unique emotional experiences. Emotions come through in a multitude of ways. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask’s structure encourages the player to explore the world of Termina. Doing so reveals several side quests where NPCs (non-playable characters) have unhealed trauma needing resolution. These factors lead the player to care about the NPCs and the strife that they can help alleviate. For example, Cremia of Romani Ranch endured the death of her father and now struggles to provide for her younger sister. The player learns all this when assisting Cremia in delivering milk to Clock Town. Doing so helps bring much-needed revenue to Romani Ranch, which relieves the player, as they just helped assist a struggling individual. Intrigue in Cremia’s story builds when she tells the player that her friend, Anju, will soon get married. This new detail about Anju gives Cremia a deeper connection to the world of Termina by making her feel less isolated, and it makes the player curious about another in-game event they can potentially help with. Detailed and memorable storytelling, however, is not necessary for video games to generate emotions.

Certain video game franchises, such as Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog, generally provide a simple plot where the hero must save the day. Such a simple plot fails to provide an emotional experience that people will remember for generations. Despite this, several video games in each franchise are widely renowned. In the original Sonic the Hedgehog video game, Sonic is on a mission to rescue wild animals from the devious Doctor Robotnik, who desires to industrialize and control the world. Meanwhile, most video games in The Super Mario franchise have the Kupa King, Bowser, kidnapping Princess Peach. Mario’s mission is to save the princess from Bowser. These plots give the player a reason for their quest but are secondary to the experience. 

True artistry and emotional experience in these franchises come through the engagement and awe of several levels the player must traverse to complete the mission. In Sonic CD, the water levels at Tidal Tempest provide the player with a sublime soundtrack and engaging level design. The music for Tidal Tempest creates emotional tranquility and acts as a calming contrast to the otherwise fast-paced tone of this game and franchise. It allows the player to take a sigh of relief as they journey further into a game and franchise that defines itself with speed. Unlike Sonic, Mario is known for his precise jumping and surprising athleticism. Front flips, back flips, long jumps, wall jumps, and so much more are in this portly plumber’s toolkit. Aesthetically, Mario games are also upbeat and bright. The franchise’s iconic theme song from Level 1-1 of Super Mario Bros. reflects this well. This tune used on the game's first level helps set a light tone for a fun adventure and captivating level. Though simple, the immediate noticeability of this theme also creates a sense of joy. Mario is the video game industry’s most iconic character, and the noticeability of his theme further establishes his status.  

Video games convey strong emotions through utilizing effective storytelling, strong-level design, and memorable music. Experiencing the land of Termina provides gamers with a disturbed world necessitating healing. Meanwhile, playing through the masterfully crafted levels of games in the Super Mario and Sonic franchises provides an experience filled with a distinct set of emotions renowned by gamers across the world. Video games ultimately allow for new and unique ways for people to experience the emotions conveyed by art, and they will hopefully continue doing so for years to come. 



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