LAST week on Radio 4’s Women’s Time, we delved into the role of women in the gaming industry. We showcased insights from Game Insiders and eSports presenters like Franc Keywords, and highlighted the inclusive online community Black Girl Gamers. It was refreshing to hear varied expert opinions on gaming culture throughout the episode.

One of the highlights was when presenter Nuala McGovern shared listener responses to the question: “Why play video games?” One listener noted, “I think they don’t entirely grasp that gaming is a couple’s activity.” They explained how their shared passion for gaming, particularly during their honeymoon playing Borderlands 2 while saving for a home, brought them closer together.

I found this particularly striking since I have a friend who met their partner through gaming, and many couples view it as a richer and more immersive experience than simply watching a series together. I’ve lost count of how many couples enjoy navigating survival horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill together, despite their single-player nature. Facing scary scenarios allows them to bond, reducing fear while exploring eerie environments. The act of passing the controller can feel like sharing intimate gifts.

Moreover, playing games with a partner reveals new dimensions of their character and abilities. You might discover your partner’s knack for solving spatial puzzles or their determination in facing challenges. This knowledge is invaluable—much like understanding how you both tackle assembling IKEA furniture. Recently, I learned about using video games for child therapy, and one counselor, Ellie Finch, is even considering employing Minecraft for couples therapy. The task of building a simple house together could reveal interpersonal dynamics more effectively than a lengthy conversation.

There’s a sense of romance in exploring new worlds together, getting lost, and merging skills to navigate challenges. The sweetness of escaping into shared experiences in games like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing is matched by the intellectual engagement found in titles like Blue Prince or Split Fiction. For too long, gaming was stereotyped as a pastime for lonely young men, but now it’s accessible to everyone, opening up digital spaces for connection. Many are now utilizing online games like Final Fantasy XIV and GTA as vibrant dating platforms. Real-life relationships are blossoming through gaming. These games can eliminate many barriers that traditional dating poses, such as costs and the awkwardness of meeting strangers. They serve as unique arenas that encourage romance.

I genuinely hope that as this generation ages, they continue to game together. I can envision them sharing stories with their grandchildren about the stunning virtual home they built in Super Mario Maker, or a digital scrapbook they created in The Sims. There’s so much to discuss when playfulness thrives within gaming.

What to Play

Last year, we reviewed the Blaze Entertainment Super Pocket, a quirky handheld device for playing cartridge-based retro games. Now, there’s something new: the Super Pocket Neo Geo Edition. Sporting its classic black and gold design, this device is inspired by the iconic 1990 console from SNK. It boasts 14 Neo Geo titles, including cherished classics like Metal Slug X and the Fatal Fury fighting games, along with hidden gems like the delightful beat-‘em-up Top Hunter: Roddy & Cathy and Mutation Nation. The Super Pocket is also compatible with all cartridges designed for Blaze’s Evercade console, providing access to a vast array of iconic retro games.

Available at: Super Pocket Console
Estimated playtime: Endless nostalgic hours

What to Read

• I came across a recent Japanese interview with Fumito Ueda, the designer of ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. His assertion is that developers focus less on creating new mechanics, placing more emphasis on existing designs and aesthetics. It’s a bold claim, reminiscent of Francis Fukuyama’s “The End of History.”

• Valve has reportedly removed Adult Games from Steam due to pressure from credit card companies. An Australian group called Collective Shout recently published a letter to payment processors like PayPal and MasterCard, claiming that some games available digitally depict child abuse and incest. The reactions from Steam users have been noteworthy.

• It’s surprising to learn about Nintendo’s low employee turnover. According to data shared by the gaming site GoNintendo, the average tenure of Japanese staff is about four years, while others in different offices average between eight and a half to ten years. It’s heartening to see that amid industry pressures, at least one major player knows how to nurture its workforce.

What to Click

Question Block

This question comes from Jamie via email:

“I recently visited Orford Ness, a National Trust site in Suffolk, which was heavily used by the Ministry of Defense in the 20th century. It struck me how much it resembled our last game, especially with elements reminiscent of Atom Fall. The whole experience felt like it could be a level in a video game, minus the zombies. Have you been to a place that felt like being in a game? Would you recommend it?”

That’s an excellent question! First off, Holly Gramagio, a game developer and author, recommends the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker for its quintessential Cold War vibes, evoking thoughts of secret bases or Umbrella labs. Last year, I spent the night exploring Shepton Mallet Prison, which felt eerily similar to levels in Silent Hill. This location is open to the public and hosts sleepovers. If you’re looking for something grander, consider visiting Kedleston Hall in Derby, the inspiration behind Croft Manor in the Tomb Raider series, or the stunning Milan Cathedral, rich in Gothic architecture, shadowy corners, and intricate carvings that influenced Dark Souls. I also recommend visiting the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which certainly feels like a magnificent adventure game. Lastly, if you’re a fan of GTA V, a visit to Los Angeles is a must. The skyline, mountainous areas, and expansive neighborhoods at sunset are nothing short of surreal and provide an open-world experience like no other.

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