They respect life.īig franchises that could have preyed on our nostalgia voluntarily evolved, creators engaging with our fandom, but firmly pushing their artistic goals forward - and us with them. Instead, we have games that recognize the fragility and preciousness of human life, games that deal with death, mental health, teenage anxiety and child illness. What a strange joy to see all of them together.Īnd what a relief that, in 2017, so few of these games involve shooting people in the head, splashes of blood being the only color in their world. This year, we collected 50 of our top games into a list. And quite often, they manage to be both at once. But when games are their best, the experience is so much greater than an emotional exit. Are we really escaping when we play games? Or are we learning, experimenting and taking control of ourselves? Are we learning to experience life not as we know, but as those around us experience it? Are we gaining empathy and camaraderie and relief?
