GDYARVE # Chapter 67: Just Recently Healed the Players!
# Chapter 67: Just Recently Healed the Players!
In the following days of live streaming, Old Ye returned empty-handed every day. Eventually, he stopped live streaming altogether and secretly played the game on his own. There were too many viewers during the live stream, and although they meant no harm, they couldn't help but tease him at times.
Ye Feng thought about giving Old Ye some tips, sharing a few techniques with him, but decided against it. Figuring things out by reading and researching was part of the game experience. Without Old Ye streaming, the players felt a significant loss of entertainment.
However, Old Ye learned quickly. He gradually figured out he needed to use ambushes, scent eliminators, and crouch by the lake. When he finally bagged his first game, he excitedly opened a live stream to share his little triumph. The more he did this, the more eager the players became.
There's nothing more tantalizing than watching someone else play a game. They frequently left comments on Ye Feng's account, asking when "Call of the Wild" would be available for everyone to play. This time, no one called him gentle. After seeing Old Ye's gameplay, they couldn't help but curse Ye Feng, calling him a jerk and holding grudges.
While some focused on "Call of the Wild," others continued to play "Celeste." As more players shared their emotional experiences with "Celeste," its influence grew. The game's narrative was a classic "hero versus dragon" story. In "Celeste," the protagonist, Madeline, with her red hair, had to conquer not a dragon on Mount Celeste but herself.
When a hospital specializing in mental illness sent a thank-you letter to Sprout Studio, it further pushed this impact to its peak.
**[Thank you, Sprout Studio, for bringing hope and redemption to patients immersed in pain. It truly moved us.
Madeline's climbing journey is a process of growth. She is confused and in pain, and everyone tells her that no one can conquer this mountain.
After experiencing emotional ups and downs, she finally overcomes her inner demons and successfully reaches the summit.
Though the game is famous, allowing patients to play such a game was a bold attempt in the treatment process. Before that, our medical staff played the game themselves before deciding to let patients try it.
We selected a patient in relatively good condition and provided this game during treatment while closely monitoring their mental state.
Go big or go home. Surprisingly, a game can also have the effect of mindfulness therapy. Mindfulness therapy, categorized in the third wave of cognitive behavioral therapy, focuses on being fully present in the moment, with an open and non-judgmental self-awareness, welcoming each thought with curiosity and acceptance, emphasizing the present moment and awareness.]**
At the end of the letter, the mental health institution expressed their joy,
"Gladly, the game healed them before it defeated them."
As soon as the news broke, it was published by the top gaming magazine. Players initially thought the game only healed their own anxious hearts. When they saw the thank-you letter, they were both incredulous and unsurprised.
Because it was a game made by the old thief.
The depths of "Celeste," anyone who has played it understands.
Is that a flaw? Everyone thinks it's a merit.
They might say it's hard for others, but never to the old thief.
The game's difficulty mirrors the challenges Madeline faces while climbing. She accepts her imperfections during the climb and surpasses herself in repeated attempts, seeking perfection.
Everyone will eventually have a chance to reach the summit.
In the game, after Madeline and her dark side reach the summit together, they have this conversation;
Madeline: "Once we're down the mountain, we won't be able to talk like this anymore."
Dark Side: "Yes, but letting go of this body is really scary."
Madeline: "But you'll still exist. Before coming here, you were another part of me. I sincerely hope we can work together from now on."
Dark Side: "I believe you, but I'm still nervous... What should we do now?"
Madeline: "Let's immerse ourselves in the moment!"
The view from the summit is beautiful, with pink twilight filling the sky. After reaching the top, even the snow becomes romantic.
The news about a game treating mental illness once again trended. Since last year, the gaming industry had been mentioned repeatedly.
Trending topics rarely involve the gaming industry.
‘This is the umpteenth time I've heard Black Star's name trending.’
‘Can a game heal the soul? Advertisers, can you come up with better claims? How much did you get paid?’
‘You can curse the old thief, but you can't curse "Celeste"! It's an absolute masterpiece!’
‘It's great fun. Bought a whole bunch, and the kids love it.’
‘I hope everyone who sees this game will try climbing Celeste Mountain. Just like that, Madeline, keep breathing.’
‘The old thief is such a gentle person, you can't curse him!’
When "Celeste" was mentioned repeatedly, even those who didn't play games couldn't resist trying it.
Some might fall on the climb, but those who reach the summit will see the incredible view from the top.
...
"What? It's done so quickly?" Alvin swallowed hard.
Just now, Ye Feng sent him a game file for "Bloodborne."
Although Ye Feng had said last year that he would deliver "Bloodborne" by mid-year, Alvin didn't expect it to be finished a bit early.
It was already the end of April, and he thought Ye Feng would complete it by mid-year.
"I promised the time, so I won't go back on my word." Ye Feng shook his head. This time, making "Bloodborne" had used up almost all his funds, and now he was waiting for the game's release to recoup and fund the next game.
His vision for the game world was never limited to just this.
"Alright, I'll make the arrangements," Alvin said excitedly, nodding vigorously. He was thrilled as he looked at the newly received file.
Without hesitation, he installed and opened it.
The screen showed a filthy, grime-covered IV bottle with dark red blood slowly dripping into the murky container, spreading out gradually. The eerie clock bells of a dark Victorian city rang in the background, with blood and dismembered limbs filling the streets and alleys, and splattered blood staining every corner.
The deep bell continued to ring, creating an eerie and silent atmosphere in the city.
"What kind of game is this!" Alvin panted heavily, his back breaking into a cold sweat.
The game's imagery made him extremely uncomfortable, feeling his sanity slipping away!
"You're really not doing this on purpose? You just healed the players!"
(End of chapter)