Fallen London Developer's New Title Tackles Teen Suicide

[hickwarrior]

Good grief, I almost had to spit-take when I read the sheer spite, venom and lack of empathy or even sympathy coming from your post.

People do not commit suicide just because they find life marked by "some social discomfort" - they do it because they find life absolutely unbearable. Experience has taught me that the number one cause of this is bullying and the second one is bereavement. While I've been through both - I cannot state just how horrible just one of them is.

Your post has shown that you have never been the victim of a bully or had someone you truly knew and loved die - if anything your point of "laughing at" someone because they committed suicide at such a young age makes me wonder if you are the bully. Laughing at someone committing suicide at such a young age isn't funny or even idiotic - but a truly sad, terrible and tragic.

What teenagers need is understanding and to know that they are never truly isolated. Someone to help pick them up when they are down. In essence, a good friend. And furthermore, there should be no stigma involved asking for assistance from a good councilor - who are about as rare as gold-dust around these parts. (And working for a doctor's surgery will tell you there's an awful lot of depression and suicidal people out in the world.)

Suicide may not bring our loved ones back or make bullies go away while leaving our own family and friends in emotional tatters in it's aftermath. But I can understand and empathize their reasons and forgive the emotional wreckage that follows their actions. If there is an afterlife, I can only hope that they find the peace in death that eluded them in life.

Your lack of understanding and empathy is truly astounding. Someone's little boy or girl died and you laugh at them. I'll grant you that the world isn't a nice place, but your cold and spiteful attitude doesn't make it any better - if anything, it makes it worse.

I call bullshit on that
Only true way to ensure your emotional safety is rely only on yourself
If you invest yourself in other people, than don't be surprised when all goes to hell.
Expect from other people the...
You know what? Check this
http://www.splitreason.com/product/theescapist/1225
it is perfect approach to everything, not games only
And if being cold and spiteful can make them realize that nobody cares, than I'm ok with that.

I never said that it wasn't sad or tragic
It is both- sad and stupid AT THE SAME TIME (yes such thing is possible)

So basically, you're a misanthrope. Thank you for telling us that. No matter how much we would rationalize it to you, you're emotionally dead or keep your distance waaaays away from others.

I'm pretty sure it's the latter, given how you said you can only trust yourself. I'll leave it at that.

OT: Well, it's on facebook so I won't take a look at it. I can only hope if this VN does handle the subject with care at least.

 

[Lt._nefarious]

As a socially awkward teen, my advise to other people who get depressed when they are mis-treated by there socially kward(?) well social people just be a complete dick towards them. Someone at my school once told me I should kill myself and I just kept on living, mainly to spite her, but hey... You don't need a simulator, or a game, you just need to embrace the hate. Embrace it and become more powerful than they could ever imagine....

Yeah, like that...

Anyway, I think it's not a very smart idea for several reasons. Teens shouldn't need help to deal with things like bullying and depression...

 

[blackrave]

So basically, you're a misanthrope. Thank you for telling us that. No matter how much we would rationalize it to you, you're emotionally dead or keep your distance waaaays away from others.

I'm pretty sure it's the latter, given how you said you can only trust yourself. I'll leave it at that.

OT: Well, it's on facebook so I won't take a look at it. I can only hope if this VN does handle the subject with care at least.

Nope.
I don't hate people.
I simply think people tend to rely on other people a little too much

 

[hickwarrior]

So basically, you're a misanthrope. Thank you for telling us that. No matter how much we would rationalize it to you, you're emotionally dead or keep your distance waaaays away from others.

I'm pretty sure it's the latter, given how you said you can only trust yourself. I'll leave it at that.

OT: Well, it's on facebook so I won't take a look at it. I can only hope if this VN does handle the subject with care at least.

Nope.
I don't hate people.
I simply think people tend to rely on other people a little too much

Maybe that's kind of true. I see a lot of people around me texting while riding a bike. I mean, there should be a line on dependency right?

 

[sethisjimmy]

Your feelings mostly doesn't matter
You're not special
NOBODY WILL SAVE YOU
The sooner one accepts these rules, the better his/her life will be

These "rules" are the reasons why teens are committing suicide. How can you logically think that these "realizations" would help anyone considering suicide?

 

[Hollyday]

I'm definitely going to check this game out - not because I suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts (and for that I consider myself extremely lucky) but because a) I love Failbetter games and b) I know a lot of people who DO suffer from depression, especially since I have a teenage sibling and I teach many teenagers. I think something like this could be a really helpful tool, not only to help people reach out but also to raise awareness in others of the issues and make people a bit more tolerant when it comes to mental health issues. More like this please...

 

[Pedro The Hutt]

Well, incredibly jaded people in this topic aside, I just hope the game is actually well written, not ham fisted, and not filled with tokenisms. Then it might be a decent method of helping (some) youngsters cope with this issue.

 

[DoomyMcDoom]

So basically, you're a misanthrope. Thank you for telling us that. No matter how much we would rationalize it to you, you're emotionally dead or keep your distance waaaays away from others.

I'm pretty sure it's the latter, given how you said you can only trust yourself. I'll leave it at that.

OT: Well, it's on facebook so I won't take a look at it. I can only hope if this VN does handle the subject with care at least.

Nope.
I don't hate people.
I simply think people tend to rely on other people a little too much

There is truth to that, however reliance on others in a time of need can be a good thing, I know I for one would be starving, and freezing, on the street right now if it weren't for people looking out for me, my life started rough, and really hasn't gotten smoother since, I was born into a single parent household, on welfare, in an expensive city, grew into poverty, disliked by my peers because of the stigma behind being poor and having only one parent in said city.
Essencially I was bullied, and had to deal with a family that was constantly fighting, I never knew peace, was on the brink of suicide for years, I mean, when you're depressed, constantly in conflicting highly emotionally charged situations, going through puberty, and suffering insomnia, with even the antidepressants that were prescribed to you maxed out on dosage, doing nothing but killing my ability to feel happy(I was mighty capable of feeling like shit though), it gets rough, I kept living only out of sheer spite, I hated everyone and I had only one wish, to see them all die before me.

I'm a bit more positive nowadays, but that can be attributed to not living with my family, and meeting people who give a shit about me, if I hadn't "relied on others" I would probably have killed at least a few people by now, because my faith in the ability for people to not be assholes all worthy of a painful end, hasn't been all that high for the most part of my life...

So for the most part, if you rely on others chances are they will fail you, but then again, isn't it better to build a sense of community between a group of friends, and strengthen everyone, than be alone? I think the real issue isn't reliance in itself, but overreliance and the inabillity to deal with the fact that people for the most part are selfish, and seek only their own interests.

So really it comes down to balance, learn who you are, and accept it, but don't be afraid to call on friends when you are in need, and treat EVERYONE regardless of how they act as a potential ally untill they have proven solidly that they are not, because in life, the only things worht pursuing are, strong friendships, good food, and adventure.

 

[blackrave]

These "rules" are the reasons why teens are committing suicide. How can you logically think that these "realizations" would help anyone considering suicide?

Helped me, but again I always mostly considered emotions as weakness not strength.
It allowed to dismiss false expectations that someone will come and help me. Forced me to do something on my own.

There is truth to that, however reliance on others in a time of need can be a good thing, I know I for one would be starving, and freezing, on the street right now if it weren't for people looking out for me, my life started rough, and really hasn't gotten smoother since, I was born into a single parent household, on welfare, in an expensive city, grew into poverty, disliked by my peers because of the stigma behind being poor and having only one parent in said city.
Essentially I was bullied, and had to deal with a family that was constantly fighting, I never knew peace, was on the brink of suicide for years, I mean, when you're depressed, constantly in conflicting highly emotionally charged situations, going through puberty, and suffering insomnia, with even the antidepressants that were prescribed to you maxed out on dosage, doing nothing but killing my ability to feel happy(I was mighty capable of feeling like shit though), it gets rough, I kept living only out of sheer spite, I hated everyone and I had only one wish, to see them all die before me.

I'm a bit more positive nowadays, but that can be attributed to not living with my family, and meeting people who give a shit about me, if I hadn't "relied on others" I would probably have killed at least a few people by now, because my faith in the ability for people to not be assholes all worthy of a painful end, hasn't been all that high for the most part of my life...

So for the most part, if you rely on others chances are they will fail you, but then again, isn't it better to build a sense of community between a group of friends, and strengthen everyone, than be alone? I think the real issue isn't reliance in itself, but overreliance and the inability to deal with the fact that people for the most part are selfish, and seek only their own interests.

So really it comes down to balance, learn who you are, and accept it, but don't be afraid to call on friends when you are in need, and treat EVERYONE regardless of how they act as a potential ally until they have proven solidly that they are not, because in life, the only things worth pursuing are, strong friendships, good food, and adventure.

Can't disagree. Balance is usually the best thing.
But like I previously stated my balance is skewed towards self-isolation
And true, not killing them IS the hardest part.

 

[Gunner 51]

Good grief, I almost had to spit-take when I read the sheer spite, venom and lack of empathy or even sympathy coming from your post.

People do not commit suicide just because they find life marked by "some social discomfort" - they do it because they find life absolutely unbearable. Experience has taught me that the number one cause of this is bullying and the second one is bereavement. While I've been through both - I cannot state just how horrible just one of them is.

Your post has shown that you have never been the victim of a bully or had someone you truly knew and loved die - if anything your point of "laughing at" someone because they committed suicide at such a young age makes me wonder if you are the bully. Laughing at someone committing suicide at such a young age isn't funny or even idiotic - but a truly sad, terrible and tragic.

What teenagers need is understanding and to know that they are never truly isolated. Someone to help pick them up when they are down. In essence, a good friend. And furthermore, there should be no stigma involved asking for assistance from a good councilor - who are about as rare as gold-dust around these parts. (And working for a doctor's surgery will tell you there's an awful lot of depression and suicidal people out in the world.)

Suicide may not bring our loved ones back or make bullies go away while leaving our own family and friends in emotional tatters in it's aftermath. But I can understand and empathize their reasons and forgive the emotional wreckage that follows their actions. If there is an afterlife, I can only hope that they find the peace in death that eluded them in life.

Your lack of understanding and empathy is truly astounding. Someone's little boy or girl died and you laugh at them. I'll grant you that the world isn't a nice place, but your cold and spiteful attitude doesn't make it any better - if anything, it makes it worse.

I call bullshit on that
Only true way to ensure your emotional safety is rely only on yourself
If you invest yourself in other people, than don't be surprised when all goes to hell.
Expect from other people the...
You know what? Check this
http://www.splitreason.com/product/theescapist/1225
it is perfect approach to everything, not games only
And if being cold and spiteful can make them realize that nobody cares, than I'm ok with that.

I never said that it wasn't sad or tragic
It is both- sad and stupid AT THE SAME TIME (yes such thing is possible)

You can call BS on what I said, but I can assure you it is a very honest truth. What you are proposing is ensuring your own emotional security in exchange for one's own humanity. (Or soul if you believe in them.)

Laughing at and taking pleasure those who are in such psychological despair that they commit suicide is not a psychologically healthy thing.

Supporting and love for people, kindness, charity, empathy and above all - selflessness are the very cornerstones of a good person. These seem to be qualities you seem to shun and fear - and for that, for all it's worth - you have my pity.

 

[Raven_Operative]

Only true way to ensure your emotional safety is rely only on yourself
If you invest yourself in other people, than don't be surprised when all goes to hell.

And here I thought I was the only one who thought this way. As depressing as it sounds, I agree completely. The world sucks, and the only way to be prepared to deal with it is to rely on yourself. People die, and relationships break down, but there will always be one person who cares for your well being: YOU.

Trying to rely on others is nice when there are people around who you can actually trust to help, but what happens if you hit a really rough time with no one around? Then you are stuck dealing with your grief by yourself, and no one's coming to save you. Learning to deal with everything on your own is probably the best way to do things. That way, you are never without the person you rely on.

 

[blackrave]

You can call BS on what I said, but I can assure you it is a very honest truth. What you are proposing is ensuring your own emotional security in exchange for one's own humanity. (Or soul if you believe in them.)

Laughing at and taking pleasure those who are in such psychological despair that they commit suicide is not a psychologically healthy thing.

Supporting and love for people, kindness, charity, empathy and above all - selflessness are the very cornerstones of a good person. These seem to be qualities you seem to shun and fear - and for that, for all it's worth - you have my pity.

[o.k. don't tell to anyone else]
I never said I would have pleasure while laughing at them.
I'm glad that laughter for you only expresses joy. For some it can mask other feelings.
I even failed fire trial by smiling. Never could deal with this reaction to pain and sorrow. Sometimes it lead to awkward situations :/
But I will laugh and make sure that nobody knows my real feelings. Because I will do everything to discouraging people from believing that people will care if they would be dead. Truth is most people on internet will say "aww that's so sad" and than move on some whacky video of someone getting hit in the balls while dancing gangam style, and will never remember that person who committed suicide. If this person thinks that people around him/her will care than, I'm sorry to tell this, but they will care only for a weak or month, later they will move on. Only ones who will remember are people who cares and loves that person already, and these people are rarely the reason of suicide.
[Now, would you kindly forget every word written here!?]

And here I thought I was the only one who thought this way. As depressing as it sounds, I agree completely. The world sucks, and the only way to be prepared to deal with it is to rely on yourself. People die, and relationships break down, but there will always be one person who cares for your well being: YOU.

Trying to rely on others is nice when there are people around who you can actually trust to help, but what happens if you hit a really rough time with no one around? Then you are stuck dealing with your grief by yourself, and no one's coming to save you. Learning to deal with everything on your own is probably the best way to do things. That way, you are never without the person you rely on.

I would like to rely on other people, really.
I really want the world where people help each other, but my previous life experience proves that this, sadly, isn't this kind of world.

 

[Raven_Operative]

I would like to rely on other people, really.
I really want the world where people help each other, but my previous life experience proves that this, sadly, isn't this kind of world.

It's probably fair to say that everyone would like that kind of world, but I really don't think the rather crappy one we are stuck in right now is going to change any time soon. Won't stop me from trying to help others, mind you, it just stops me from allowing others to try to help me.

 

[Gunner 51]

[o.k. don't tell to anyone else]
I never said I would have pleasure while laughing at them.
I'm glad that laughter for you only expresses joy. For some it can mask other feelings.
I even failed fire trial by smiling. Never could deal with this reaction to pain and sorrow. Sometimes it lead to awkward situations :/
But I will laugh and make sure that nobody knows my real feelings. Because I will do everything to discouraging people from believing that people will care if they would be dead. Truth is most people on internet will say "aww that's so sad" and than move on some whacky video of someone getting hit in the balls while dancing gangam style, and will never remember that person who committed suicide. If this person thinks that people around him/her will care than, I'm sorry to tell this, but they will care only for a weak or month, later they will move on. Only ones who will remember are people who cares and loves that person already, and these people are rarely the reason of suicide.
[Now, would you kindly forget every word written here!?]


I would like to rely on other people, really.
I really want the world where people help each other, but my previous life experience proves that this, sadly, isn't this kind of world.

I know it sounds trite, but there's a difference between saying that you care and showing that you care. There's not a lot of difference a guy can make over the internet, but then why take too much stock from the opinion of the anonymous masses of the internet when you can simply ask a good friend? A good friend means more to any suicidal person more than the whole world.

The suicidal mind doesn't just need a pep-up speech saying that someone cares - like you said, though it may dissuade them from their self destruction for a month or so. But the best thing you can do to show that you care is to be there in person for them. A mind in pain takes a long time to heal espeically with clinical depression.

I know the world is a pretty crappy and uncaring place at times - there's plenty of backstabbers, idiots and knaves all around. The only way to combat this is to make it better yourself. But we all need help from others from time to time to achieve this, removing the stigma of asking for help is the first thing society at large can do to combat suicide. This probably won't happen for a long time, but it doesn't mean to say that each of us shouldn't try.

 

[Marak Daga]

So let me get this straight, someone who may be feeling suicidal has to link their facebook account to it, which im assuming from history will leave some sort of trace - such as a "such and such liked this too!", and you think this is a GOOD idea?

I started reading this article thinking that it was a great idea, and as the darker side of my thoughts mentioned, that yes i was right - they fucked it up.