In the recent Survey we did on LadiesGamers about Video Games and Mental Health, we got some feedback that really made me want to reach out and give a warm virtual hug. One of the comments was extra special for me: one of our readers built a memorial for their deceased Grandfather shortly after COVID-19 hit and visited the shrine every day. For them, it hurt too much, so they stopped playing altogether. Maybe the grief was too fresh, but it reminded me of how I found a way to remember my loved ones in-game too.
Living On in Tomodachi Life
Years ago, in Tomodachi Life, I recreated the image of my dad after being prompted by a fellow gamer who had done the same. A couple of years prior to that, in 2012, my father passed away after a long battle with lung cancer. When Tomodachi Life came out two years after that, I felt the need to create his image in this virtual world. This world is always there. The residents of Tomodachi Life go about their business even if I don’t look after them. And my dad could live there for always.
I couldn’t resist taking a peek again after all these years in their little world. So amusing to see this little time-capsule. My dad was having a coffee at the café and falling asleep over it (it was the middle of the night there). Moreover, I was reminded there were several residents that have sadly passed away for some time now. Lynne, one of my dear gaming friend was there, as was BriBri, a fellow gamer that I worked with in the past.
A Memorial in Animal Crossing
More recently, over a year ago, my mother passed away, too. Me and my parents have always been very close, so it a void when she also left us for good as well. However, this time, it felt different, as the last years of her life had been marked by her being reduced to being a bright mind in a body that wouldn’t cooperate anymore. I’m sure that all of you who have lost a dear one can relate: after years, it’s still so easy to this day to imagine them here with me, imagine seeing their car come around the corner on my days off and going shopping together. I guess the memories and the sense of loss never goes away, but it does get more manageable in time.
It felt good for me to do exactly what our survey responder had done: build a memorial on my Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Make them a part of what I love doing: playing video games. To me, it feels like I can visit them there when I want to, and they are there together as they have been for almost 60 years in real life.
Creating a Memorial in Other Games
Animal Crossing really is the perfect game for creating a memorial, giving all those customizable options. But there are more games where you can create something in honour of someone you lost. I’ve seen a shrine built in No Man’s Sky, in Minecraft and numerous ones in Animal Crossing. I can imagine Dragon Quest Builders lends itself well to creating something.
Is there another game you can think of that lends itself to creating a special place as a tribute? Have you ever done something like that yourself for a deceased person or a pet that you remembered very fondly? If so, I’d love to hear your story!