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Games Can Make Us Cry

Posted by Zonk on from the especially-if-they're-bad dept.

A study by Bowen Research is getting some commentary in the gaming press, with their analysis being that "More than two thirds of all video gamers feel that video games already surpass, or will soon at least equal movies, music and books in delivering an emotional impact." The Guardian Gamesblog has a look at the research. From the article: "Of course it could be argued that RPGs simply attract more emotionally unstable gamers, and that if these same players were forced to try Microsoft Flight Simulator, they'd cry like babies when their Cessna crashed into a pylon during a failed runway approach. Sadly, Bowen does not appear to explore this possibility."

2 of 170 comments (clear)

  1. I had a sad feeling for a moment, then it passed. by Ackmo · · Score: 3, Funny

    I couldn't help but shed a tear when my pet dog Rover was killed on the first level of NetHack. He was a good and faithful dog. Stuck by my side through thick and thin. Of course, he did have a nasty habit of stepping on cursed items but what can you do? Damn you, falling rock traps. Damn you all! I... I... I can't talk about it anymore... It's still too soon.

  2. Tears (and a few expletives) by CDLewis · · Score: 4, Funny

    Some games can make you cry based purely upon the emotional investment made *before* you play the game.

    See: Daikatana. Dr3ver. Pac-Man (2600).