247: The Infected

[RelexCryo]

I don't think there can be a much stronger argument for the "games as therapy" case than this, right here. Thanks, John. I can't imagine it was easy for you to write this, but I hope it helped.

This. Totally agreed. The article you wrote was beautiful John. You did a damn good job describing "games as therapy."

Good Luck man.

 

[JupiterBase]

The Infected

Horror movies may give us monsters as a way to help us confront our worst fears, but horror games go a step further: They let us put our monsters in the crosshairs and pull the trigger. John Carr recounts his experience playing Left 4 Dead to cope with his parents' cancer.

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My condolences this is one of the few things in the last couple years that has brought me to tears. I wish you the best, Mr Carr.

 

[Mr. Mike]

That was really touching. Thanks for that John. This article will be on my mind for a couple of days methinks. Kudos to you.

 

[ramox]

Writing about personal loss for sympathy is kinda shoddy journalism...which is why I'm glad that's not what this is at all. =)

There was this whole talk at TED about how games can save the world; how this entire civilization before the Greeks managed to survive through this ludicrous famine by distracting themselves with a dice game made from small bones. How even today, we play games to show we can solve problems no matter how big. Sure, I think we can all agree it's escapism in a way, but if people feel better about it, who's to argue?

And yeah, it seems obvious you've been through a lot more than most of us have. I know I'd be really reluctant to write about something so personal.

For people interested: http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world.html
This is highly interesting talk and like Mr. Katana said deeply related to this here article in a way. Watch it, it's worth it.

OT: Have to agree with everone here. Johns article isn't only very touching but also very relevant. Despite not everyone here having suffered from such great loss as him i am sure many of us can relate to the act of playing some game (or playing games in general) to get through some kind of hardship. I sure as hell can.

 

[House_Vet]

Really brave article man, thank you for writing! No matter what people say, escapism is always necessary at some point.

 

[John Carr]

I'd like to thank everyone for the kind words; they are truly appreciated. To all of you who have suffered your own losses, you have my sympathy as well.

Writing about personal loss for sympathy is kinda shoddy journalism ... which is why I'm glad that's not what this is at all.

I couldn't agree more, and I'm very happy to hear that you didn't think it came off this way. One of my biggest fears while I was writing this was that it would come off as a sob story with nothing relevant or interesting to say.

 

[ryukage_sama]

Powerful, meaningful and enlightening.

 

[Katana314]

Hey come on, John! Now you're making me look heartless by only taking part of the quote...

It's ok. I really am heartless. (Continues reading A Modest Proposal)

 

[John Carr]

Fixed

 

[josh797]

hell of a read. touching, meaningful, and something that was genuinely unique among video game journalism. i love the escapist.

 

[DreadfulSorry]

Thank you for sharing your story, John. So very touching.

 

[Grahav]

Thanks.

 

[Lady K]

Very good piece, John. I pray that writing this was some good therapy. Best of luck to you =)

 

[Stranger of Sorts]

Wow, that was very moving and very, very well written.

 

[Lemon Of Life]

Hey man, well done. I'm truly sorry, that is awful. Cancer is cruel.

 

[MNRA]

You have my condolences. Touching story.

 

[Naepa34]

My grandfather has been suffering from parkinsons for the past several years, so, unfortunately, I know what its like to see someone you knew slowly fade away, made worse by the fact that, in his case, he is still "there", just nearly unable to express it.

 

[Biodeamon]

that was unexpected for a zombie infection article. never did think about the emotional implacations like that

 

[Elf Defiler Korgan]

Brilliant. That was personal, but not overly emotional or sentimental. What a piece.