I think that part of the problem with this type of game is that mostly it will be people with depression or that have experience dealing with someone else with depression that will play the game. To actually educate people about an illness or topic, the sad fact is that it often has to be hidden within something that sounds a little more fun than "depression quest".

... that being said, the aim is also to show people with depression that they are not alone, and the game may very well succeed in that... so kudos to the developer!

Do other people with depression really think they're alone? When I was a kid, I thought everyone was like that. Doesn't help.

I never knew about others.
Truth be told, most people use the word "depression" almost figuratively to say that they are just sad. And many people tend to say: "Ow, I'm depressed.." or "I have depression" when all they really mean is that they're feeling a bit down at the moment.
The *real* depression is not very prevalent in neither media nor public space. Also depression is very often parred with anxiety disorders, which leads to withdrawal from society by those affected, and so we "don't see them".
I've started medicating about two years ago (depression+severe anxiety) because of my friend, who told me about her ongoing problems with depression. She has revealed the side of her I never knew -- it was an incredible push for me to get out of this sleep.
Now it's getting better, thanks to no small effort being made on my part. Just now I'm in the third stage of a job interview for an *awesome* company, and yes I'm still having all those feelings of inadequacy, but nevertheless I want to stop working from home, get out, and work creatively with people. And that is HUGE.

"get out of this sleep" is probably the best description I've ever heard for a person who wants to not be depressed anymore. I used to associate depression with being sad, only to learn what it was actually like. To come out of it is very like waking up again. Experiencing the beautiful world for what it is.

I know, I've been that way since I was a child. I never thought I was the only one, and I don't get why you would. It really doesn't help to know that, either way.

I'm glad you're getting better. I hope that trend continues for you. I'm finally taking therapy seriously, and it's making a difference. I agree that people misuse the term depression. In fact, I can feel any emotion while depressed, I just feel like I've done something wrong at the same time.

Have you heard of learned helplessness? Many psychologists think that this is essentially what depression is, but without having to learn it, and I think they're right, Depression feels to me like my brain is punishing me for everything I do. No matter what I do, it's always the wrong thing to do.

Part of the reason I see it that way is that I'm manic depressive, and I've felt the exact opposite. Mania feels like being rewarded for everything you do, say or think, and depression is the exact opposite.

Still, I don't really understand. Were you not always depressed? Did you not always feel anxious and wretched? I can see how you thought you were alone if it isn't something you've felt since birth, but if it is, then isn't that all you would have known?

Firstly, I'll just take this out of your post, and put it here, because it is so right: "No matter what I do, it's always the wrong thing to do."

I have had a weird childhood with distant, and now slightly psychotic and divorced, parents, where every feedback I've ever got, was only when I did something wrong. And there was no gradation -- everything was the end of the world, everything was a big deal.

So I don't really know. Was I always depressive? Did I got it after my mother (two suicide attempts so far)?

Things were always funky, but only about three years ago I've read something about some procrastination condition, and I thought that might be it.

Then in 2011 I took a roadtrip for a few weeks to Italy with my friends. It was really awesome, but upon coming back home I locked myself inside and didn't come out. For almost two weeks. Not for food, never contacted anyone, nothing. When I ran out of food, I was going through imperishables and making whatever I could out of them.

And so it was then, that my friend stormed into my place and saw me like that. We've started talking, a lot of things were literally *explained* to me, there was a lot of "me too!", and so my butt got kicked to a psychiatrist. The diagnosis was that I am from a alcoholic, abusive family (which is very telling - in fact 'm from a wealthy, medical family of psychos) and have a severe depression and anxiety disorder.

I don't know how long I was depressed. I've always tried to do everything myself, and apparently that is the main problem of the educated people that've had some background in psychoanalysis and psychology -- they try to do it all themselves. Plus I felt ashamed of my "first-world problems". You know how it goes: "just get a grip of yourself, you wuss!".
Well, my psychiatrist was very adamant when I've started my therapy: "We can't proceed until you get picked up from the ground, because otherwise no amount of therapy will help you. You need medication to pick you up, and only then therapy and hard work will make any sense."

And so it's getting better, things are looking up... This may be a good year. Now, I really hope I'll get to the third stage of my job application. I want this job sooo bad! <get mail=""> <get mail=""> <get mail=""> :)

We have a scary amount in common, right down to the families we come from. I've improved and relapsed several times over the course of my life, I hope your determination makes your improvement permanent.

It's can happen, yea. And if one has chronic depression,
you can live with it for so long that it just becomes part of your life and you don't even realize there might be a problem. "It's always been this way" :/

^This exactly. It's easy to think that no one cares or understands, but that's usually just you wrapping yourself up, not talking to anyone about it and feeling you're on your own with it- when that's certainly not the case. But it's definitely easy to be mislead into thinking, "This is me, this is who I am. Im not depressed, Im just not very happy all the time."

I'm aware, I was more skeptical of the idea that those with depression think they're (we're) alone and that knowing we're not makes any difference at all.

"It's always been this way" is my point. As a kid, I assumed everyone felt that way. I tried not to show it, so I just assumed they were trying to do the same thing. Maybe I'm alone in this.

It's probably best for people with depression to both get a reasonable secondhand understanding (not just their subjective view) on what a mental disorder like depression looks/feels like and (at the same time), this game can probably open up the discussion and bare people out so that (if a person feels they have depression and want the bode of confidence and perspective from others) they know that they are not alone.

Pretty sweet concept, quite honestly. (Even if I have my small qualms about this game from a design perspective).

. . . And to think we are all but a spec of dust in the grand scheme of the universes expansion into cold stillness, amirite?

D':

Well put indeed.

As a disabled gamer, I absolutely love it when ANYONE tackles or even mentions social problems or disability in game. I share your concerns that this may not be the right target or the right method, but BIG kudos to anyone for giving it a go.

We need more developers like this - unafraid to take risks, not only on non-mainstream stuff, but things that to some might seem a mite edgy.

Im with you there, i myself have aspergers. Something that has practically never been done right in any medium, i would love a game that brings up the problems for what i would guess is a sizable chunk of its audience.

I approve the sentiment, but I'm too busy trying to survive the real thing :(

Hugs for you sir. I just came out of a period of it myself, its a bitch but if you know a way to deal with it or seek help things usualy work out

Thanks! I wish I was just going through a period as well, but unfortunately I've been living with this thing for 10 years, and it's probably something I'll have to live with my whole life, much like a chronic disease. But hey, I can't really complain. I'm still alive (many weren't so lucky), and that "minor detail" aside, my life is truly blessed.

I have depression that comes and goes. I can have a few great months and then... BAAM i lose the majority of a year to depression. Its a bitch but it could still be worse.

Ha, story of my life :)

10 years? Wow...that's a long time. I've got it for three and a half years now <.<

An interesting concept to be sure. Depression is like being trapped in a banana pudding that's made from tears instead of whole milk.

*thick and bland* Is the tagline for most depressive periods. great analogue

Also, if you don't like bananas, it really drives the point home at how miserable that all is.

That line needs to be in a depression medication ad.

I think the most clever thing about this game is that the choices that would fix your life are crossed out. Whoever made this thing gets it. There are some thoughts that simply do not occur to a depressed brain. The thoughts that do occur are generally negative lines of thinking. In general people seem to think it's a matter of "staying positive" or thinking yourself out of depression or any of these platitudes that people like to spout, thinking they have it all figured out. I'm thinking of rainbows and puppies and newborn babies, oh great, now I'm not depressed, thanks Dr. Dipshit!

You aren't happy because you're thinking of kittens and babies, you're thinking of kittens and babies because you're happy. You can't force your brain into that positive state. Do you force yourself to think your thoughts? What the hell does that even mean? No, thoughts just enter your consciousness, and give way to more thoughts. So is it positive reaffirmation, or just distraction behavior? Escaping depression in a timely manner is pretty much impossible these days. I was on antidepressants a year and half ago and they helped a bit, but I was depressed after I got off them for months. Depression was alleviated, not gone. And now I'm cleaning up my life after a six-year-long bout with depression. There are people who just can't know what that's like. It's messy. Six years. I can't stress how long that is. It honestly freaks me out just thinking about the length of time I was the way I was. Some people get it worse and longer. I'm just glad I was lucky enough to have my brain correct itself. In a way, there's still tons of correcting to be done.

When people who are/have been depressed tell you you don't get it when you insist that they stay positive and be happy, they aren't being assholes. They really mean it. You truly, fundamentally do no understand, and you should seek education.

Yeah, that was a...thing. As someone who's been clinically depressed close to a decade now, I can't really get too much out of it other than noting that some of the feelings described there were accurate. I couldn't relate with some of the situations, since this is something I've been dealing with from early teenage years. I've never really formed any romantic relationships or friendships since then, I didn't really want to drag people into the mess.

I did enjoy the ending quite a bit, though. Even though this is something that'll stick with me until the end, I am actually getting better at enjoying life and all that.

i try to be as positive as i can and try to maintain optimism. but ive had depression for as long as i can remember. i never fit in in elementary school and highschool and was a loner through college. its been hard for me to get close to people and maintain relationships. i lost the one girl i actually let in fully and her love made me happy. so you can imagine how bad it got after that. not even i can understand why im always in a funk and why i cant just change. im not suicidal but my usual reaction to things is anger and frustration which makes me lash out at others. i guess that can kind of explain a lot of the stupid shit i say on here sometimes.

i guess what i am saying here is pointlesa but i enjoyed having a chance to check this game out and i thought it might be relevant if i shared my story. thanks.

Its not a bad idea to reach out to medical or philosophical help. Sometimes a mental or philosophical exercise does wonders for the body in question. Sometimes the funk can be suffered through for a time, but each story is unique and significant in it's own right.

i can relate to that ^^

Shit hits way too close to home.

I got part of the way into this game before saying, "Nope, I already understand this." It's eerily similar to my own relationship with depression. Here's hoping it inspires people to get help.

This comment section is depressing enough, I don't think I need to play the game

Hmm, it may be that the game isn't quite spot-on as it starts you off with a loving and supportive partner , which is probably not the case for the majority of sufferers. I think most are stuck in a vicious circle where the depression prevents them from meeting or attracting potential partners , which makes them more depressed.

I never understood depression, is that a handicap when it comes to enjoying this?

Actually, you are the perfect candidate for playing the game since it will give you a much better understanding of depression and what people with it go through. Very much recommend it to you.

Been watching out for everything Zoe Quinn puts out since you interviewed her. Really lovely game, hope it gets out to the right people.

when you are depressed, to not be depressed you have to take action. no amount of therapy or medication will help you understand the WHY of depression.

the problem is that what you find out about WHY might make you even MORE depressed, but with the wisdom and strength you gain, you still transcend it all together.

I would agree. People have been dealing w/ depression long before medications and therapy.

I always told myself I would never get depression. I even spent most my life helping others with it. Then three years ago I suffered a stroke and two years into it I finally felt the effects of depression. I managed to climb out quickly with some help from friends, but I finally knew just what it was like first hand. I highly recommend this game to anyone. Period. Whether you suffer from it or not. Very well done to all involved in making this game.

Just to counteract the hate, I'd like to point out that Heavy Rain was excellent.

I think Holmes was more so criticizing how the game bungled how it showed the various character's depression, not necessarily criticizing the game as a whole. In that regard I would agree with him, I would never point to Heavy Rain as a shining example of a depression case study in video games. I thought it was an entertaining game as whole, however.

Yeah, I like Heavy Rain in a Shenmue kind of way. I alternate laughing at it and genuinely enjoying it. As a game about what depression is really like though... yikes.

No hate here. Just an opinion on a game.

Yes, that game was one of the reasons I wanted a PS3 in the first place and it was worth every minute, even if the "twist" was handled very poorly.

Seconded. Loved it, no it wasn't perfect but it didn't need to be.

I never knew heavy rain was trying to ilicite feelings reminiscent of depression. post-conflict maybe but never depression. I appreciated the time I had with it though

I've fought with clinical depression since I was 16 all the way up to my old man self today. It's a terrible disease that still has a stigma around it and I wish people would try to understand. I have to force myself out of bed everyday even if I feel like the world is against me. I applaud the developers for attempting to address this in game form, and I will check it out as soon as I can.

Yeah i saw this before... im not playing it. Having on an off depresion dosent make this a good thing to do.

yeah, if you are depressed don't play this. I cried 4 times throughout my playthrough and I related to almost everything within. It hit the nail on the head so exactly that it's made me realize I am probably depressed... and have been for years. A very sad game.

ART GAME!!!

Your rebuttal Holmes?