Summary
- Indie games tackle complex family issues; offer safe space for exploration.
- AAA games like Tekken 8 delve into family dynamics, abuse, and inner darkness.
- Video games like The Last of Us blend action with emotionally impactful storytelling.
While video games are known for their over-the-top action and violence, in truth, the medium has evolved into a true art form. Especially in indie gaming, developers regularly experiment with storytelling, blending emotional depth and interactive gameplay. These games can explore complex issues in a safe environment while engaging the player on a deeper level.
Broken families are a theme often explored in indie and AAA games. From dealing with abuse, losing loved ones, or mending fractured relationships, these games explore the meaning of family and the difficulties this can bring. Video games have become an important escape for many people and continue to explore important subjects millions deal with daily.
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8
Among the Sleep
Through the Eyes of a Child
Survival Horror
Action-Adventure
- Released
-
May 29, 2014
- Developer(s)
-
Krillbite Studios
In this first-person psychological horror game, players control a toddler trapped in a nightmare world as he searches for his mother. Players must escape from mysterious monsters while solving puzzles to progress. Throughout the game, players are helped by their Teddy, who emits a light when hugged.
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The game’s dark world reflects the complex issues surrounding the family through the eyes of the toddler. It shows the deep impact of conflict on a young child who does not understant his situation. Among the Sleep is a unique horror game that effectively tackles difficult subjects while creating a tense atmosphere that genre fans will love.
7
Tekken 8
A Powerful Feuding Family
- Released
-
January 26, 2024
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
Tekken has been firmly established as one of the best fighting game franchises since its release in the mid-nineties. While the games seemingly revolve around a martial arts tournament, Tekken’s true story is about a family at war with itself.
Three generations of fighters are represented in the games: the powerful and abusive father Heihachi Mishima, his son Kazuya Mishima, and grandson Jin Kazama. While none of these characters get along and often battle each other, Heihachi’s abuse is represented as a devil gene in his family line. This inner darkness emerges in Kazuya and Jin, turning them into monstrous devils. This theme is explored throughout the series in the Mishima family, mostly recently in Tekken 8 with Reina.
6
Fallout 3
Searching For a Missing Father
- Released
-
October 28, 2008
- Developer(s)
-
Bethesda Game Studios
This classic open-world RPG follows the story of a vault dweller who leaves the safety of their underground home to find their missing father. Set in the future, after nuclear war has decimated the world, the game takes place in the ruined irradiated wasteland of Washington DC.
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As the player meets the many inhabitants of the Capital Wasteland, they discover the truth behind their father’s identity and importance to the world. Fallout 3 was Bethesda’s first big release in the Fallout franchise and blends fun combat, exploration, and storytelling in a now classic RPG.
5
What Remains of Edith Finch
A Moving Storybook Tale of Loss
- Released
-
April 25, 2017
- Developer(s)
-
Giant Sparrow
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
What Remains of Edith Finch is an interactive exploration game that delves into the memories of a broken family. In the game, players control Edith Finch, the last living member of her family, who returns to her ancestral home after 7 years. As she explores the residence, she unblocks hidden secrets and mysteries revolving around the many deaths her family has suffered.
What Remains of Edith Finch is a slow-paced narrative game that is both moving and immersive. The game follows different perspectives and interlocking narratives as players uncover the truth. The game was critically praised for its unique presentation and engaging story.
4
Hades
A Mythological Family Drama
- Released
-
September 17, 2020
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
This fantastic roguelike action game puts players in control of Zagreus, the firstborn son of Hades, the god of the underworld. The game follows Zagreus’s attempts to escape from his father and find his true mother. The character is helped by many of the gods of Olympus and other mythical characters, as Hades sends forth his many monsters to stop Zagreus.
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While Hades revolves around powerful gods of legend, at its core, the story is about one person seeking to escape an unloving parent to find a better life. Hades has been named one of the greatest games ever made, and praised for its gameplay, narrative, and voice acting.
3
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
A Tragic Tale of Abuse
Action
Adventure
Roguelike
Dungeon Crawler
- Released
-
November 4, 2014
- Platform(s)
-
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, New Nintendo 3DS, PC, Linux, macOS, iOS
- Developer(s)
-
Nicalis, Edmund McMillen
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
Loosely based on a biblical story, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth follows the story of Isaac, who is locked in the basement by his mother after she believes she hears the voice of god. This tale of parental neglect and religious psychosis delves deep into the trauma of Isaac, who kills monsters with his tears.
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a classic roguelike with a permadeath mechanic and procedurally generated levels. Its development was inspired by the creator, Edmund McMillen’s, religious upbringing. The game was a critical success and is a perfect example of video games confronting serious subjects in a fun, interactive way.
2
It Takes Two
Rediscovering Love
- Released
-
March 26, 2021
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
It Takes Two is a fantastic two-player game that explores the relationship of two parents on the brink of divorce through the eyes of their young daughter. After being turned into two small dolls, the parents must work together to reverse the spell by going on a fantastical adventure.
It Takes Two blends fun co-op gameplay with an emotional story of two people rediscovering their love for each other. The game is exceptionally well-paced, with each new level introducing new mechanics and puzzles for players to enjoy. The narrative blends seamlessly with the gameplay as players and characters learn to work together.
1
The Last of Us
Healing Traumatic Loss
- Released
-
June 14, 2013
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
This classic stealth action-horror game follows the story of Joel, who is tasked with protecting a young girl named Ellie as they travel across post-apocalyptic America. While the game features zombie-like monsters and roaming gangs of bandits, at its core, The Last of Us is a story of a broken family healing from a tragic loss.
As Joel reunites with his estranged brother, Tommy, and forms a close bond with Ellie, he rediscovers his humanity while facing overwhelming horrors. The Last of Us is a standout video game that perfectly balances tense gameplay and emotional storytelling. It won numerous awards and has been cited as an influential milestone in video game history.
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