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Reflections on Seven Digital Narrative Games
I played seven games as part of this assignment, each one offering a unique perspective and challenge. Here’s what I thought about them:
1. Spent
Before the Game: Curious about how it would simulate financial struggles.
During the Game: The game put me in the shoes of someone struggling to make ends meet, and every choice felt like a trap. Deciding between paying rent, buying groceries, or taking my child to the doctor was stressful. Sometimes, I made what seemed like a smart financial decision, only to face an unexpected expense that wiped out my savings. It was frustrating to realize that, no matter how careful I was, the odds were stacked against me.
After the Game: I realized how exhausting it is to live paycheck to paycheck and make tough financial choices daily. It gave me a new appreciation for the struggles many people face.
What I Learned: Financial hardship isn’t just about money—it affects mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Suggestion: Add more variation in scenarios to show different life struggles.
2. BBC Syrian Refugees
Link for Syrian Refugees
Before the Game: Wondered how realistic the choices would be.
During the Game: The experience was overwhelming. Every choice felt like life or death, from deciding whether to stay in Syria or leave to figuring out which smuggler to trust. There was no right answer, only different kinds of risks. I tried two different routes, and each one was dangerous in its own way. At times, I thought I had control, but then something would go wrong, like running out of money or getting detained, and I would realize how powerless refugees really are.
After the Game: I understood how uncertain survival is for refugees, no matter what path they take. It made me think about real-life refugees and their daily struggles.
What I Learned: Escaping a dangerous situation isn’t the end of the struggle—it’s just the beginning of new risks and uncertainties.
Suggestion: Adding more details about the characters’ lives before they became refugees would make the experience feel more personal. Learning about their jobs, families, and dreams before the war would help players connect with them emotionally and better understand their struggles.
Both Spent and BBC Syrian Refugees are games that put you in difficult situations where every choice feels like a struggle.
What They Have in Common:
- Both games make you feel stress and frustration.
- You have to make tough decisions where there’s no “right” answer.
- No matter how smart you play, things can still go wrong.
- They teach you about real-life struggles: Spent shows poverty, while BBC Syrian Refugees shows the refugee experience.
- They both show how people often have very little control over their situations.
How They’re Different:
ChatGPT helped me make this schedule
To sum it up, both games make you understand how hard life can be for people in these situations. Spent makes you feel the stress of financial struggle, while BBC Syrian Refugees makes you feel the fear and uncertainty of being a refugee.
3- The Voter Suppression Trial
Link for The Voter Suppression Trial
Before the Game:
I was curious to see how the game would show voting challenges. I didn’t expect it to feel so personal or to hit me emotionally.
During the Game:
I played as a Latina nurse from Texas, and it quickly became clear how unfair and exhausting it can be just to vote. First, my polling station got moved across town. Then, while I was waiting in line, I got a message that my son was sick at school. I had to make a choice: stay in line and vote or leave to pick him up. Of course, I chose my child. The game ended with the message, “Here lies Malak’s vote. The line was too long.” It was incredibly frustrating. I wanted to do my part as a citizen, but the system made it impossible.
After the Game:
I felt sad and angry. The game made it clear how real these struggles are for people of color and working parents, especially in the U.S. It really made me think about how many people’s voices go unheard, not because they don’t care but because of everyday obstacles that shouldn’t exist.
What I Learned:
Voting is a basic right, but for so many, it’s not accessible. The barriers aren’t loud, but they are powerful. Long lines, no paid time off, and confusing polling locations all add up. In the end, thousands of voices are silenced.
Suggestion:
I wish the game had an alternate ending, maybe an option to come back after handling the emergency. That would show how even when people try to do everything right, the system still makes it an uphill battle. But at least it would keep hope alive.
4- Sleep-Deprived Mom Game
Link for Sleep deprived mom game
Before the Game:
I was curious about how well the game would capture the exhaustion of parenting, especially the constant sleep interruptions. I wondered if it would truly reflect the difficult choices parents have to make every night.
During the Game:
Every decision had a price. No matter how hard I tried to get enough sleep, something always got in the way—whether it was my kid asking for a drink, a work deadline, or a fever at 3 AM. When I tried to be strict about bedtime, it just led to tantrums and even more lost sleep. But when I gave in to avoid a meltdown, it usually backfired with another wake-up later. The game really showed how exhaustion isn’t just about one bad night—it builds up over time and starts affecting every choice you make.
After the Game:
I walked away with a new level of appreciation for parents, especially those managing everything without help. It’s not just about missing sleep—it’s about how that exhaustion spills into every other part of life. I also realized how unpredictable kids can be, and that sometimes, no matter what you do, you’re going to lose sleep anyway.
What I learned:
Parenting on little sleep is a constant struggle between trying to keep a routine and just surviving the moment. Even the smallest choices can feel overwhelming, and when you’re exhausted, everything feels so much harder.
Suggestion:
It would be interesting to see variations in the game based on different parenting styles or even introducing a support system like a partner or a nanny to show how that changes the experience.
Both The Voter Suppression Trial and Sleep-Deprived Mom Game put you in tough situations where no choice feels perfect.
What They Have in Common:
- Both games make you feel frustration and exhaustion.
- You face obstacles that are out of your control.
- Even when you try your best, things still go wrong.
- They show how small struggles add up over time.
How They’re Different:
ChatGPT helped me make this schedule
Both games make you think about real-life struggles. The Voter Suppression Trial shows how unfair the voting system can be, while Sleep-Deprived Mom Game highlights how exhausting parenting is.
5- When Someone You Love is Depressed
Before the Game
I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve known people who struggle with depression, but I’ve never been in a situation where I had to make decisions for them. I was a bit nervous. What if I made the wrong choices?
During the Game
The game was really emotional. I played through different scenarios where someone I cared about was dealing with depression. I had to choose how to react, whether to talk to them, give them space, encourage therapy, or just be there. Sometimes, I thought I picked the right thing, but then the game would explain why that might not be the best move. It really made me think. There were no perfect answers, just tough situations that needed empathy.
After the Game
It left me feeling more aware and thoughtful. I realized that helping someone with depression isn’t about solving their problems. It’s about being patient, listening, and making sure they know they’re not alone.
What I Learned
Even the smallest actions, like just sitting with someone or asking how they’re feeling, can make a big difference. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just showing up with kindness matters more than you think.
Suggestion
I’d love to see a version of this game with more real-life tips at the end. Maybe some links to hotlines or mental health guides. It would be great to take what we learn from the game and use it in real life too.
6- Orphans and Society
Before the Game
Just from the title, I knew this was going to be emotional. I’ve never really thought about what life is like for orphans, so I was curious—and a little nervous—to see how it would make me feel.
During the Game
Right away, I was pulled into the story. I played as a young boy in an orphanage, and every choice felt unfair. Should I stand up for myself and risk punishment, or stay quiet? When visitors came, they treated us like charity cases—asking personal questions, taking photos without permission, or touching us like we weren’t people. If I spoke up, I got in trouble.
As the game went on, things got harder. At school, I was judged just for being an orphan. People assumed the worst about me—I was accused of stealing, I lost a chance at love, and I was even rejected from marriage. It made me angry and sad. The game showed how society pushes orphans aside without even realizing it.
After the Game
I felt heartbroken. This wasn’t just a game. It was someone’s real story. It made me think about how painful it must be to grow up feeling like you don’t belong. Hours later, I was still thinking about it.
What I Learned
Orphans don’t need pity. They need respect. The smallest things—a word, a question, a look—can affect someone’s self-worth. This game made me more aware of how society treats people who are different.
Suggestion
It would be even more powerful if the creator added a short message or video at the end. Hearing their voice would make it feel even more real.
Both When Someone You Love is Depressed and Orphans and Society are emotional, thought-provoking games that help players understand the struggles of others.
What They Have in Common:
- Focus on deep, personal struggles like mental health and social stigma
- Make players feel helpless at times, showing that life isn’t always fair
- Offer no perfect choices, making every decision emotionally heavy
- Leave a lasting impact, making players reflect on real-world issues
How They’re Different:
ChatGPT helped me make this schedule
Both games remind players that small actions like listening, showing kindness, and treating people with dignity can make a big difference in someone’s life.
7- The Empathy Toy
Before the Game
I was curious about how a toy could teach empathy. I figured it would be a fun challenge but I wasn’t sure if it would actually change how I think about communication.
During the Game
I was the one making the shape while our blindfolded friend had to rebuild it based on another teammate’s instructions. At first I just watched, letting them figure it out. But it quickly became clear that explaining wasn’t easy. The instructions weren’t always clear and our blindfolded friend was struggling.
After a while the person giving instructions started to get frustrated and kind of gave up. That’s when I stepped in to help. Instead of just repeating what was said I tried breaking it down in a way that made more sense. I made sure our blindfolded friend understood each step before moving on. It took a long time but eventually they got it. When the shape finally came together it felt like a win for all of us.
After the Game
I realized that communication isn’t just about talking it’s about making sure the other person actually understands you. Sometimes you need to change how you explain things and be patient until it clicks.
What I Learned
Empathy isn’t just about feeling for someone it’s about working with them and finding a way to help. Good communication takes patience and flexibility.
Suggestion
It would be interesting to switch roles halfway through so everyone gets to experience giving and receiving instructions.
Comparing The Empathy Toy to Other Games
Similarities:
- All games help players understand others’ struggles.
- They create emotional and learning experiences.
- They teach important life skills like empathy and problem-solving.
Differences:
- The Empathy Toy is about communication and teamwork, while the others focus on real-life struggles like poverty, discrimination, and mental health.
- It challenges players to give clear instructions, while other games make players face difficult life choices.
- The lesson in The Empathy Toy is about patience and understanding, while the others highlight hardships and resilience.
Unlike the others, The Empathy Toy teaches empathy through teamwork rather than life challenges.
Comparing the Seven Games
Each game put me in someone else’s shoes, making me see the world from a different perspective. Here’s how they compare:
- Most Emotional: When Someone You Love is Depressed and BBC Syrian Refugees hit the hardest. One showed how painful it is to watch someone struggle with depression, while the other made me feel the fear and uncertainty of being a refugee.
- Most Frustrating: Spent and The Voter Suppression Trial showed how unfair life can be. No matter how smart I tried to be with money in Spent, I still ended up broke. In The Voter Suppression Trial, I wanted to do my part, but obstacles kept getting in the way.
- Most Exhausting: Sleep-Deprived Mom Game showed how parenting on little sleep turns every decision into a battle. No matter what I did, I couldn’t avoid feeling drained.
- Most Interactive: The Empathy Toy was different from the rest because it wasn’t just about choices—it was about teamwork. I had to communicate clearly, adjust my approach, and be patient.
Comparison between games
ChatGPT helped me make this schedule
Overall Reflection
Each game put me in someone else’s shoes and showed how everyday struggles can feel overwhelming. Some focused on financial or social issues, while others explored emotional and psychological challenges. The biggest lesson across all games was the importance of empathy—whether it’s understanding someone’s financial struggles, mental health challenges, or communication barriers.
“I used AI in some parts to rewrite some sentences, but all ideas and reflections are by me”
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