The world of video games is multilayered and vast. Genres were born, and subgenres gained huge popularity too. Several articles could be written about this matter, but in this specific one, we focus on an often overlooked aspect of gaming, meaning “contemplative gaming.”
In this article, we dive into the world of contemplative gaming to discover what it is, how it works, and what the benefits are of engaging in this kind of gaming, which is still considered rather mysterious and niche.
The Definition of Contemplative Gaming
The term contemplative gaming often refers to a specific style of video gaming where the main priority is not completing a task or succeeding in a specific quest. Instead, this type of game prioritizes mindfulness, relaxation, and a sense of inner peace.
It goes without saying that this kind of gaming must feel very different from a gaming session of Call of Duty or other fast-paced games. Interestingly, in contemplative games, there is often no competition, as the main goal is to make you feel relaxed and at ease while playing.
Main Characteristics of Contemplative Gaming
Contemplative gaming often features a minimalist design. Graphics and soundscapes are, of course, still extremely high quality, but they work as a soothing background and not as the main feature of the game. Sound and visuals are created to help players relax and immerse themselves in the game world.
Another interesting characteristic of contemplative gaming is the simplicity of its rules and functioning. This simplicity can, of course, also be outside the field of contemplative gaming in any other subgenre of gaming, with different kinds of games, some available for free.
Exploration and discovery are great ways to engage in contemplative gaming. These games often focus on these two aspects rather than implementing combat and challenges. Instead, players might experience beautiful landscapes, solve puzzles, or even just wander through virtual worlds.
Another interesting aspect of contemplative gaming is emotional storytelling. This type of storytelling is often thought-provoking and useful to help you reflect on your own emotional landscape. It can even provide a sense of catharsis.
Why Play Contemplative Games?
There are several contemplative games that have become quite popular for their beneficial qualities. These include Journey, Flower, Gris, Firewatch, The Witness, and Spiritfarer. These games were praised as they managed to evoke feelings of mindfulness and relaxation and could even help with symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Many people steer away from the world of gaming because of the fallacious portrayal of mainstream gaming, which often features combat, violence, or anything else that triggers adrenaline and a sense of active engagement and potential danger. Instead, contemplative gaming retains the interesting side of gaming, meaning the development of coordination, strategic thinking, and teamwork, as it applies it to a completely different field of gaming.
Contemplative gaming can be a helpful activity to implement in your life to unwind and explore the world of technology without suffering from the potential threats of mainstream gaming. The world of gaming has developed in so many different directions that it is truly difficult to generalize it. This world includes so many different facets of gaming, such as esports, fantasy games, puzzle games, virtual board games, and many more. That said, it would be a mistake to put them all under the same umbrella.
Contemplative gaming has psychological and meditative undertones, which have nothing to do with other gaming practices. It should be taken as a great opportunity to relax and discover beautiful virtual scenery, as well as different ways of perceiving virtual realities in all their healing potential and spectrum of images.
