Daryl Talks Games

Music is a profoundly powerful thing. At the right time, a melody from a game or a movie can stir up memories of the past, even in those with severe memory disabilities like Alzheimer’s Disease. Today on Psych of Play, we’re going to dive into how memories are encoded into long term memory, and how music is deeply entwined to those connections in your long term memory.

Gris is an experience unlike most games you’ll find in that it gives you an intimate glimpse into the psyche of someone dealing with grief. And it’s through this game’s dynamic use of color that it does so. In this episode of Psych of Play, we will be taking a truly deep dive into the world of Gris and how it uses its colors and in game mechanics to illustrate the complexities of loss and bereavement.

Animal Crossing. Learn it, live it, love it, or run from it. Depending on the type of person you are, this game could either be a wholesome and relaxing experience, or an endless pit of indecision and trying to maximize your options. Today on Psych of Play, were diving into the intricacies of the maximization paradox, and how Animal Crossing (might) keep you from experiencing it…. oh who am I kidding go buy this stupid game.

How many times have you felt just a little spooked when the 4th wall was broken in a game or a movie? Today on Psych of Play, we’re going to be dissecting WHY that feeling is so bizarre and how deindividualization, the dual function of gaze, and the power of anonymity all play a part in making 4th wall breaks such a visceral sensation.

Out there on the far horizons of YouTube, there is a strange little video with no description, no annotations, and seemingly no real purpose. However if you happen to be recommended it by the youtube algorithm, you’ll be welcomed by an ethereal soundtrack, a strange feeling of familiarity, and a comment section unlike anything you’ve ever seen. This is the story of one of the most bizarre hidden webpages on youtube and the psychology behind the uniquely human stories left behind in the comments. This is the psychology of the internet checkpoint.

Is there a “wrong” way to solve a puzzle? And if there is, and that way still gets the job done, is it really wrong? Today on Psych of Play, we're diving into divergent thinking, puzzle design, and creativity. Oh and we might talk about Minecraft at some point.

2011. A year when the Lavender Town creepypasta is brewing and getting ready to take over the internet. Coincidentally, also the year when several girls in Le Roy New York began to experience a bizarre illness that seemed to come out of nowhere.... And as fate would have it, both incidents share a disturbing thread when you look at the psychology behind what was happening. Today on Psych of Play, we’re talking Nocebo, Mass Psychogenic Illness, and Illusory Truth. Strap in, this one is a bit spoopy.

Does a story need words? Does a tale need specifics? Does a picture need color? The brain does a good job of noticing patterns and filling in the blanks when it’s running low on information. And because of this, fan theories and speculation can be every bit as engaging as the content itself. But why are humans so naturally talented at explaining the unclear? That’s exactly what we're here to discuss today.

Getting lost is a sensation that may cause a bit of panic in the real world, yet somehow in a game is one of the most rewarding, refreshing, and strangely peaceful things you can experience. Today on Psych of Play, we take a deep dive into how that feeling of being lost and then finding your way again affects our psyche, how games capitalize on our natural curiosity, and what games can do to make their environments truly captivating. Get cozy... and enjoy the ride :)

Have you ever gotten furious at a game, quit, taken a break, and then came back to the game and felt silly because the boss was somehow super easy this time? Today on Psych of Play, we take a look at why on earth this happens, what extinction bursts are, and why you’ve been “Rage-Quitting” since you were literally in diapers.

Choose to see the good, it's up to each of us #GFTH❤

A lot of us simply refuse to go digital, and in fact I’d go as far as saying it hurts to buy digital games for some folks. What is it about holding a game in your hand before you pop it in your console of choice that gives you so much peace? Why does it feel like you can only truly own a game if its physical? What are companies doing to make digital more enticing? Today on Psych of Play, we take a look at exactly that.

Ah yes. Stockings hung above the chimney, snow on the ground, rampant Steam sales draining my wallet. It’s that time of the year folks. It’s time to talk about gaming in the context of pro-wrestling. Get cozy for this one, we’re talking about storytelling through combat systems and through choice of offense. I think this one might be something special.