Video games, such as Fallout 3 (2008), challenge the stereotype of gamers as isolated and socially inept individuals. In the past, concerns about video game violence and its impact on youth led to moral panics and fears of creating antisocial outcasts. However, as research has debunked the supposed link between violence and gaming, societal attitudes have shifted towards a more normalized view of video games.
While social play is often emphasized as the most sophisticated form of play, games like Fortnite and Minecraft facilitate connections between players. However, games like Fallout 3 also offer the valuable experience of playing alone in a hyperconnected society. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Fallout 3 immerses players in a desolate environment where moments of connection with non-player characters feel significant, despite the overall loneliness and bleakness of the setting.
The freedom to make choices in a game like Fallout 3, without the impact on others, provides a unique sense of solitude and autonomy. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many turned to video games to maintain social connections and escape the feelings of isolation and overexposure from the digital world. Games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Death Stranding offered a way to feel alone and out of the hyperconnected environment- a sentiment that resonated with many during the pandemic.
In a world where solitude is increasingly hard to come by due to constant connectivity and sharing of personal data, games like Fallout 3 offer a chance for individuals to navigate sparse, uninhabited worlds in privacy. The lack of real-world interactions in single player games allows players to take risks and make decisions without judgment from an audience, fostering a sense of autonomy and independence.
Learning to be alone and embrace solitude is a valuable skill for mental health, and the opportunity to spend quality time with oneself in a virtual world can be a gift. While social connections are important, games that provide moments of solitude and introspection should also be celebrated for their role in promoting individual well-being. In a society where isolation and connectivity coexist, finding balance between social interactions and personal time is crucial for overall wellness.
