An important and beautiful PSA from Dark Souls
Dark Souls has something very important to say to you.
The glorious Dark Souls series means more than frustration, challenge and triumph; it'a beautiful metaphor for life. For many players, the series is inherently tied up with struggles in their personal life and mental health.
A beautiful message from the game - delivered by eloquent YouTuber Fork - is something I'd like all of you to hear.
A huge thank you to Redditor cheezeebred for sharing this today.
The Dark Souls series was very important to former VG247 deputy editor Dave Cook, whose wonderful Dark Souls 2 journals are still popular today; he even got a tattoo to memorialise a personal triumph in the first game.
For similar reasons, I'm planning on an image of Black Phantom Satsuki from Demon's Souls in my left sleeve; that eventual victory was a formative learning experience for me that helped me break out of a cage of social anxiety and self-doubt, which eventually led to me getting this very job. Thanks, From Software; I owe you more than a few beers.
We'd love to hear your own stories of how the loose franchise has been important to you - and also to encourage you to seek help if you are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, grief or any other form of mental health pressure. Make an appointment with your GP; ask a friend for help; take a day of sick leave; research self-care online; find a good therapist. Pick up your shield. Pick up your sword. Don't you dare go hollow.