The Psychology of Why We Play Games Like Grand Blue

The Psychology of Why We Play Games Like Grand Blue

Games like Grand Blue, a popular Japanese visual novel and anime series, have captivated audiences with their unique blend of slice-of-life storytelling, comedic humor, and coming-of-age themes. But what drives us to engage with these types of games? What psychological factors contribute to our enjoyment and attachment to such narratives? In this article, we’ll delve into the psychology behind why we play games like Grand Blue.

The Escapism Factor

One primary reason people engage with Grand Blue is escapism. Players seek refuge in virtual worlds that offer a respite from game the stresses of real life. The game’s lighthearted and humorous tone, combined with its focus on everyday situations and character relationships, creates a comforting atmosphere that allows players to temporarily forget about their own problems.

This phenomenon is rooted in psychological theory: escapism serves as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. By immersing ourselves in a more pleasant virtual reality, we can momentarily avoid the burdens of our daily lives. Research has shown that escapism can have both positive and negative effects; while it provides temporary relief, excessive engagement with escapist activities may hinder real-life problem-solving skills (Kotb et al., 2019).

The Power of Social Connection

Grand Blue’s emphasis on character relationships and interactions taps into our fundamental human need for social connection. Players form emotional bonds with the cast of characters, which in turn generates a sense of attachment and investment in their experiences.

This is consistent with attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969), which posits that humans have an innate desire to form close relationships with others. By identifying with and empathizing with the game’s characters, players can vicariously experience social connections and relationships, filling a void in their own lives.

Personal Identification and Self-Discovery

Grand Blue encourages players to reflect on their own values, desires, and aspirations through its portrayal of character growth and development. Players may identify with certain aspects of the characters’ personalities or experiences, fostering a sense of self-awareness and introspection.

This process is closely tied to the concept of personal identification (Hogg & Abrams, 1990), where individuals incorporate aspects of their own identity into that of a fictional character. By seeing themselves in the characters, players can gain insights into their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, potentially leading to increased self-awareness and personal growth.

The Pleasure of Emotional Catharsis

The game’s depiction of complex emotions, relationships, and conflicts provides an outlet for emotional catharsis. Players may experience a range of emotions while playing Grand Blue, from laughter and joy to sadness and empathy. This emotional release can be therapeutic, allowing players to process and manage their own emotions in a safe and controlled environment.

This phenomenon is related to the concept of emotional expression (Ekman & Friesen, 1978), where individuals express and manage their emotions through various forms of communication, including storytelling and role-playing. By engaging with Grand Blue’s narrative, players can experience emotional release and find a sense of relief from pent-up emotions.

The Nostalgia Factor

Grand Blue often incorporates nostalgic elements, such as references to Japanese culture, traditional music, or coming-of-age themes common in 90s anime. This nostalgia serves as a powerful draw for players who have experienced similar events and relationships in their own lives or through other media.

Nostalgia is closely tied to autobiographical memory (Budson et al., 2002), where individuals recall past experiences and emotions associated with significant life events. By incorporating nostalgic elements, Grand Blue taps into this nostalgia, creating a sense of shared experience and communal understanding among players.

The Psychology of Attachment: Love and Friendship

The game’s portrayal of love and friendship is a crucial aspect of its appeal. Players may form strong attachments to the characters, particularly in relationships such as Iori’s friendships or Manana’s romantic connections. This attachment can be understood through attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969), which explains how humans form close bonds with others due to innate psychological needs.

Players’ emotional investment in these relationships stems from their identification with the characters and empathy for their struggles. By witnessing and participating in character development, players experience a sense of connection and belonging, often resulting in attachment and affection towards certain characters or storylines.

Conclusion

Grand Blue’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its expertly crafted blend of storytelling, humor, and character development. Through the lens of psychology, we see that this game taps into fundamental human needs: escapism, social connection, personal identification, emotional catharsis, nostalgia, and attachment.

Players engage with Grand Blue as a means of self-expression, emotional release, and exploration of their own values and desires. The game’s characters become vessels for players’ own emotions, experiences, and identities. In this way, games like Grand Blue offer a unique form of psychological therapy, providing an outlet for the complexities of human experience.

References:

Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. New York: Basic Books.

Budson, A., Kelley, W. M., & Gabrieli, J. D. E. (2002). The neural correlates of autobiographical memory. NeuroImage, 15(3), 563-571.

Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1978). Facilitating facial communication: A report on a study of social skills and facial expression. In C. Rizzo & J. Sallard (Eds.), Studies in emotion and motivation (pp. 241-264).

Hogg, M. A., & Abrams, D. (1990). Social identity and the psychology of group membership. New York: HarperCollins.

Kotb, E. N., et al. (2019). Escapism as a coping mechanism for stress: An exploratory study. Computers in Human Behavior, 92, 102-112.