One of the strangest but most interesting choices I’ve made in games is deciding when to walk instead of run. It almost seems trivial—after all, walking is a fundamental feature in most games today. But this simple choice can radically transform how we experience virtual worlds and even reflect them in our real lives.
Matching the Vibe: When Walking Feels Right
Imagine you’re in Cyberpunk 2077, navigating the busy streets
of Night City. NPCs are casually strolling, snacking on street food, or having
quiet conversations. Then there you are—running around like a hyper-caffeinated
speedster. If you step outside of yourself for a moment, you might think, “Wow,
that guy looks crazy.” Sometimes, slowing down and walking makes the world feel
more authentic. If I were actually in Night City, I’d probably walk
too—absorbing the neon glow, listening to snippets of streetside chatter, and
melting into the atmosphere.
Walking allows you to tune into the world. It’s more than a mechanical choice; it’s a decision to fully immerse yourself. In an RPG like Cyberpunk, where role-playing is important, my character isn’t just pixels on a screen—they have a personality. If I imagine my character to be calm and collected, why would they be running around like crazy? Walking fits the character I’m trying to embody. It’s not just about fitting into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it.
Walking for the Soul: Mental Health and Reflection
But walking isn’t just role-playing or environmental. It’s
also therapeutic. On tough days, I slip on my headphones, open up an open-world
game like The Witcher 3, and simply... walk. There's something incredibly
calming about wandering through the rain-soaked forests of Velen or the rugged
mountains of Skellige. The ambient music, the rustling leaves, the howling of
distant wolves—they all become places to decompress and reflect.
I even set my mood to match the time and weather. A stormy night in The Witcher? Perfect for introspection. It's like lying in bed listening to real-world rain—soothing and nostalgic. These walks help clear my mind, turning pixels into a path to inner peace.
Role-playing Beyond Dialogue
Walking isn’t limited to open-world adventures. Take the
Uncharted series: Nathan Drake is a treasure hunter exploring ancient tombs.
Sure, you can sprint, but wouldn’t that feel weird? If I were an adventurer, I
would take my time, marvel at the history, and tread carefully. Walking turns
exploration into an experience rather than a checklist.
In boss battles, walking introduces a dramatic nature. Think of a showdown in a game. A full tilt charging battle, but advancing towards a boss? It’s a tension-builder. It’s like a face-off in an anime, where two characters shape up to each other before the clash. Once, in a fight against the Golden Rhino in Black Myth: Wukong, I walked towards the charging beast. Instead of trampling me, it slowed down, almost as if acknowledging my fearless approach. Moments like these elevate gameplay to be more visceral, more real.
Slowing Down to See More
Beyond relaxation, walking allows you to appreciate the artistry of the game. The developers spend countless hours creating breathtaking scenes, intricate details, and atmospheric soundscapes. Traversing them feels like skipping a chapter in a novel. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Horizon, and even linear adventures like A Plague Tale offer stunning visuals that are worth savoring. Walking invites you to notice the little things: the swaying grass in Ghost of Tsushima, Geralt’s confident strut, or subtle changes in NPC behavior.
The Future: A Walk into Immersion
As gaming technology evolves, so too does the potential for
immersive walking experiences. Imagine a VR world as detailed as the Ready
Player One movies. Walking wouldn’t just be a choice; it would be an adventure.
The music, graphics, and soundscapes would only get better, making every step
more meaningful.
It’s funny – I don’t think I walked much in games back in the
PS2 era. Maybe I didn’t need to escape back then. Now, as a full-grown adult, I
find solace in these virtual strolls. They’re more than a feature; They are a
reminder of the importance of slowing down, both in games and in life.
So next time you load up your favorite game, consider walking.
It can change your world - virtual and real. Thanks for walking this journey
with me.
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