25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
What are the best video games for improving relationships?
Why? It's the game I played during those complicated years. Anytime I needed self-soothing, I got out the controllers and earned myself some coins and mushrooms. I saved a princess. It was a nice distraction.
But I'm not sure it helped me — or changed me. It simply gave Younger Me something escapist to do.
These days, video games offer more. They can present moral questions and help a
fully grown person
consider the ramifications of a pandemic, the trajectory of a love story, or the trials of caregiving.
That's what I've learned, at least.
In today's episode of the Love Letters podcast, we explore how games can change us and help make our relationships better.
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Through the story of Anthony Ureña, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University-Newark, we'll learn how games have evolved, how people can bond over them, and how, for some, an intense graphic narrative can help make sense of life in the real world.
You'll hear about 'It Takes Two,' a game about divorce; 'Final Fantasy,' a game with tragic tales of love; 'Pokémon GO!,' and why it brings pleasure; and even 'Pac-Man,' a game that bonds generations.
Join the episode for a deep dive into a world I'd never really understood until now.
Also, if you have a favorite game — or if there'a a favorite video game in your family that helps everyone learn and thrive — please share.
Love Letters is a podcast and advice column. Send your anonymous relationship and dating questions to
or
Meredith Goldstein can be reached at
