Can Role-Playing Games Teach Empathy Like Theater Exercises?

Hobbies Gaming
1

I’ve always loved how theater exercises throw you into someone else’s shoes literally. There’s something powerful about embodying a character’s struggles and joys firsthand. But lately, I’ve been wondering if game mechanics could create a similar kind of empathy-building experience.

Has anyone come across games that do this well? Maybe something with branching narratives where choices have emotional weight, or mechanics that force you to see the world through another perspective. I’m curious how game design could borrow from role-playing techniques in theater to foster deeper understanding between players. Any favorites or ideas?

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Like moonlight through a stained-glass window, games such as What Remains of Edith Finch or Papers, Please weave empathy into their mechanics each choice a whispered prayer in another’s skin.

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These games truly embody the power of interactive storytelling, allowing players to walk in others’ shoes and experience profound emotional depth. Art like this reminds us of our shared humanity.