In the world of video games, where fantasy and reality often collide, a new and innovative title is on the horizon that promises to explore mental health through the lens of centuries-old vampires. Vampire Therapist, developed by Cyrus Nemati of Little Bat Games, combines the old and the new in a unique and engaging way. In a recent interview with Game Rant, Nemati discussed the inspiration behind the game and the various cognitive distortions that players will encounter in its vampire characters.
Nemati explained that vampires, with their long and storied history in folklore and mythology, provide the perfect backdrop for exploring mental health issues. The game’s vampires exhibit a range of cognitive distortions, including phobias, narcissism, logical fallacies, and unhealthy obsessions, all of which have been allowed to fester over centuries. Each vampire client that players encounter in the game presents a unique set of challenges for the protagonist, therapist Sam, to navigate.
One of the key aspects of Vampire Therapist is the collaboration between Nemati and licensed therapists to ensure that the therapy techniques presented in the game are accurate and effective. Nemati described the process as iterative, with feedback from therapists leading to significant changes and rewrites in the game’s script. The inclusion of various therapy techniques beyond the standard cognitive behavioral therapy was also influenced by the input of therapist contacts.
The response from the psychologist community to Vampire Therapist has been overwhelmingly positive, with therapists eagerly embracing the project on platforms like Reddit. Nemati is planning to conduct a therapist focus group to gather further feedback and refine the game’s content. Despite the challenges of incorporating therapy techniques into a video game format, Nemati is excited about the potential impact of Vampire Therapist in raising awareness about mental health issues.
Ultimately, Vampire Therapist aims to promote compassion and understanding towards individuals struggling with mental health challenges, whether they are immortal vampires or regular humans. By exploring the unique struggles faced by vampires and applying real therapy techniques to address them, the game offers a fresh perspective on mental health and the importance of self-compassion and empathy.
Vampire Therapist is scheduled for release in June 2024 for PC, offering players a unique and immersive experience that blends fantasy and therapy in a compelling way. With its innovative approach to mental health and engaging gameplay, Vampire Therapist promises to be a game that challenges players to think differently about the intersection of old myths and modern psychology.
