Have you ever wondered why we get so attached to fictional characters? It’s because creators purposefully design them to evoke real emotions. Think of my journey with The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series as an example.

This video game, based on Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic series, isn’t just entertainment. Developed by Telltale Games and Skybound Games, it premiered on April 24, 2012, and was well received by players thanks to its  storytelling and immersive gameplay. The latest drop on September 10, 2019, continued the saga. Unlike regular zombie games that only focus on survival, this one stands out by spotlighting character growth and smart decision-making. It dives deep into human minds during tough times, letting players shape the story through their choices. This fresh approach turns gaming into a journey of self-discovery, moral challenges, and growth.

So, what makes this game emotionally gripping? It mixes interactive storytelling with well-made characters. Players aren’t just watching; they’re actively shaping the story and bonding with characters. From tough moral dilemmas to heartwarming moments, each interaction leaves a mark on players’ hearts (and mine).

Among the characters, Clementine is the one I got attached to the most. This connection began when I stepped into the shoes of Lee Everett, the main character during the game’s first part. When Lee found Clementine, a young girl, all alone during the chaos, it triggered a sense of responsibility within me — a sort of parental instinct that guided my choices. Guiding Clementine’s survival skills while protecting her kind-hearted soul became my mission. Being in a world filled with zombies, where survival sometimes requires violence, posed challenges, especially for a young girl. Lee’s words: “You’re strong, Clem. You can do anything. You’re gonna see bad stuff… but it’s OK” still resonates. The next games revealed an older Clementine, living out the lessons learned from Lee. Witnessing her growth across the seasons filled me with pride. As she continued on her journey, she had AJ, a child under her wing, whom she decided to look after, just as Lee had done to her. The story took a similar turn. Looking at this relationship, reminiscent of little Clem with Lee, catches the heart firmly, and a sense of nostalgia sets in. Certainly, things weren’t always great. They had to deal with many tough situations. I had to make choices for them that affected other people’s lives and more. Time pressure was also there. There wasn’t room for peaceful thinking. Yet, this also shows the values we believe in. The characters I played were usually good-hearted, but sometimes they had to do things that went against their beliefs. The world they were in forced them into those situations. And I was right there with them.

The depth of emotion tied to the choices in this game cannot be underestimated. The Walking Dead isn’t only about reaching a destination; it’s about understanding what truly matters. In a world where norms have changed and societal conventions have vanished, players are forced to decide what they’ll give up and what they’ll uphold. These decisions carry weight because they reflect personal values. Playing through these dilemmas within The Walking Dead let me introspect profoundly, inspiring reflection not only about the game but also about my own character.

Aleksandra Szumielewicz

Sources:
Bopp, J. A., Müller, L. J., Aeschbach, L., Opwis, K., & Mekler, E. (2019). Exploring Emotional Attachment to Game Characters
GameSpot: Telltale’s The Walking Dead Was A Game About You, Not Zombies
Walkingdead.fandom.com