Games for Mental Health!
Life is filled with difficult decisions and pressure can seem to come from all directions! That’s why the talented students on the Games Art at Nottingham Trent University have created these poignant, narrative experiences that tackle real-life issues faced by young individuals.
Developed by Games Art students at Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, part of Nottingham Trent University, this series of interactive fiction games offers a unique and engaging way to explore the complexities of life and interact with stories that tackle some of the topics featured on the NottAlone website.
Our games address topics such as relationships, peer pressure, grief, drugs and alcohol, mental health, and many more. With each choice you make, you’ll embark on a journey, face dilemmas, make tough decisions, and experience the consequences of your choices first-hand.
The fantastic artwork and narratives in these games were crafted over the period of just twenty-two weeks by Games Art students in collaboration with Freelance Writers, currently studying on the Creative Writing course at the university.
What is Interactive Fiction?
So, why games? We value reading – and we love playing video games! An Interactive fiction game is a genre of video game (or text-based adventure game) that focuses on storytelling and player choice. It is characterised by its emphasis on narrative, as well as the beautiful, original artwork created by students at Confetti. The player could, but not always, influence the direction of the story through their decisions and actions. We feel that this is kind of similar to how life goes – sometimes the choices you make have consequences – sometimes you could feel that nothing you do could have changed the outcome. We’d like to explore that some more and hopefully provide an empowering experience that encourages personal growth, resilience, and empathy.
Who should I play these games with?
Play these games alone, or with friends! These games allow you to step into the shoes of diverse characters, who you may or may-not relate to, exploring their lives and choices. They also provide a safe space for self-reflection, enabling you to explore different outcomes and learn valuable life lessons.
It can be helpful to play these games with someone you trust and have a chat about how you might feel, or have reacted, in some of the tricky situations you’re presented with! Equally, play alone for some quiet reflection.
NottAlone:
Our website is a comprehensive resource hub that offers support and guidance for young people navigating challenging circumstances. Whether you’re seeking advice, information, or simply a listening ear, NottAlone provides is a supportive hub where you can find the help you need. We want you to know that you are never alone in your struggles.