The gaming community tends to not take itself very seriously. However, even in a horrific,fantastical world like Diablo IV, there is space to get authentic and honest. While writing item descriptions, Lead Game Designer Harrison Pink chose to add a positive message about the journey forward. When you receive the rare Mark of the Conclave amulet, it includes the flavor text, “Healing is a journey. A series of steps. Some days you may stumble, but as long as you put one foot in front of the other, you will receive your destination.” In a world of endless hardship, it’s a missive of hope.
On Reddit, user Wholesome_Meow expressed how much this comforted them as a person with depression. Once Designer Pink found this Reddit post, they took to Twitter to say that they meant this message for people struggling, including the user and themselves.
Since the initial Reddit post, the thread has accumulated over 114 comments and 775 upvotes of people commiserating about having these same feelings. In three simple sentences, Lead Designer Pink brought together hundreds of people.
Mental health awareness can be a difficult topic in any space. Unfortunately, the gaming community in particular has had an off-color history of exclusionary and toxic behavior. It’s small, meaningful moments like this that remind gamers how authentic connections and small kindnesses can improve one’s mental health. Where Lead Designer Pink did it with an item description, we should all find small ways to lift up ourselves and our fellow community members. Even while mowing down the hordes of hell and laughing with friends, mental health matters.
