10 games to help kickstart conversations about mental health

gamesradar.com:

Video games are designed to entertain. They can be fun, challenging, exciting, comforting, and healing. They can transport us to fantastical realms, and virtual interpretations of real-world locations alike with just the click of a button. Against more traditional media, such as TV and books, video games are also uniquely placed to educate and inform by virtue of interactivity – which puts them in a great position to explore sensitive, interpersonal themes and subjects, such as mental health. 

Many players use video games as a means of escapism and connection – from Fortnite to FIFA; Animal Crossing to Call of Duty – which can both have huge positive effects on our mental health. The following list, however, includes games that tackle themes associated with mental health head-on – exploring the likes of depression, anxiety, OCD, alcoholism, grief, and many more. We're publishing this article on World Mental Health Day, but, of course, conversations in and around mental health are important every day of the year. 

Content warning: The following list discusses topics some readers may find upsetting. If you've been affected by any of the topics explored, please find help and support information at the foot of the article.

Developer: WZOGIYear released: 2014Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, PS Vita, iOS, Android

Actual Sunlight is a narrative game that follows the day-to-day plight of Evan Winter, a 30-something-year-old struggling with the mundanities of the 9-5 grind. It's a bleak, heartbreaking, and emotive tale that sees the protagonist wrestling with depression and anxiety, and feeling trapped within their circumstances. As such, it's not the easiest game to play, but it is both haunting and beautiful. It's also packed