Sometimes I think that we forget what gaming companies are really here to do. We, as consumers, expect a product. We place high demands on the industry, on game makers, on people, but we tend to lose sight of the humanity that is so unilaterally entrenched with an industry whose sole purpose is to make you happy.
Back in January, Redditor lb-Cyber (now identified as Paul) submitted a gallery to /r/skyrim that contained a simple photoset of his Dovahkiin character ending his quest. Most people didn’t notice the caption that came along with the photoset, which explained why he felt the ending fitting.
2012 was the toughest year in my life. Among many other circumstances and tragedies which occupied my days, my sister lost her battle with cancer, and at that moment I became the only child, and felt more alone that I have ever felt in my entire life. Skyrim’s escapism provided a means for me to handle the stress and depression I faced throughout the year. And as my Dovahkiin finished his quest, I felt that he and I both deserved a happy ending. And so I gave us one.
No stranger to karma parties on Reddit, this one seemed a little different. Usually the author posts a huge tirade about his woes and why his entire life sucks, but Paul didn’t really elaborate on it. He posted his story, and more or less left the thread.
Then, yesterday, he followed up. His second post better explained the situation he had found himself in.
On February 21st, 2012, my sister passed away after a nine-year battle with cancer.
I didn’t handle it particularly well. I was already dealing with a deep-rooted depression, and the loss left me feeling more isolated and alone than I had ever felt before. I sought whichever outlets I could to help clear my mind from the flurry of thoughts and emotions. Skyrim was one such outlet, and its escapism really did help me handle the grieving process.
I never really realized how helpful it was until recently, and so I wrote a very geeky, very silly and very brief story explaining how I felt upon the realization.
It turns out people at Bethesda spend just as much time staring at Reddit as I do, because Matt Grandstaff (Global Community Lead of Bethesda Softworks) found the story, and rather ambiguously asked for Paul’s mailing address. “I obliged,” the Redditor explained, “not entirely sure what I was getting into but I was excited at an impending kind gesture.”
Turns out Betheda is no stranger to kidness.
Yesterday was the anniversary of my sister’s passing. I spent the day at my parents’ house for a memorial with a few select friends and family members. When I got back home, a package was waiting for me by my door.
Inside the package on Paul’s doorstep were two very important gifts. The first was an art book, heavily signed by the production crew on Skyrim and other Bethesda employees.
The second part (something that Paul admits he almost missed… whoops!) was a personal letter from Matt Grandstaff.
I absolutely was floored, and a day I thought would be absolutely agonizing ended with an incredibly heart-warming and unexpected moment of absolute kindness.
Bethesda is a great team of wonderful people, and I have the proof.
Stories like this really get to me during this time of year. E3 is nigh upon us, next-gen rumors and accusations are being flung about the internet like a middle-school playground, and we’re all focused on what great, amazing stuff the industry will bring us. I like to think that little things like this–whether or not they become huge PR wins–help reconnect us with the people who make games because they want to bring someone even the smallest glimmer of joy.
Published: Feb 24, 2013 02:54 pm