The Games That Make You Rethink Life

For the past 4 years, I've been examining some of my favorite video games through a deeply personal lens, particularly ones that have had a sincere impact on my life, and in 2021 someone put a label on this feeling. After revealing his new project, the developer of Stardew Valley, Eric Barone AKA ConcernedApe, described Stardew Valley as a "life-affirming video game," and ever since then I've felt a strong desire to try to unpack what that means as well as if that descriptor could extend to other games. What I learned in that process changed how I understood the concept and answered a bigger question I've had about the art I want to create and surround myself with.

This video covers Stardew Valley, Firewatch, and Outer Wilds in great detail. Full spoiler warning for Firewatch, however; if you are sensitive to Outer Wilds spoilers, I tried to construct the piece with as few spoilers as possible. I would suggest listening to that section without video to minimize your exposure to spoiler-ish imagery.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
5:40 Stardew Valley - Regaining Control
21:31 Firewatch - Relinquishing Control
44:13 Outer Wilds - Reflection
58:16 - Conclusion

This video sources Blood Sweat and Pixels by Jason Schreier for much of its discussion surrounding Stardew Valley.

Thanks to
‪@Brian.Henken‬ for voiceover and script feedback
‪@MaxFrequency‬ for script feedback

Support me on Patreon! ►   / wizawhat  
Check out my Bluesky for video updates ► https://bit.ly/4ejYMst
Check out my Twitch stream for speed running content and variety gaming ► https://bit.ly/2QggGai
Join my Discord server to contact me ► https://bit.ly/3mBBxkD

If you liked this video, consider subscribing and checking out some of my other videos or following my social media:

LIVING ANOTHER LIFE IN STARDEW VALLEY ► https://bit.ly/3uIcWgz

HOW OUTER WILDS SHOOK ME TO MY CORE ► https://bit.ly/3zIdzMC

MY FAVORITE GAME THAT NO LONGER EXISTS ► https://bit.ly/3JGL3Os

#stardewvalley #firewatch #outerwilds #wizawhat