Vampires have long been a staple in fiction, portrayed as sinister villains, romantic heroes, and even educational figures. However, one aspect of vampire lore that has been largely unexplored is their mental health. Little Bat Games‘ upcoming title, Vampire Therapist, seeks to change that by delving into the struggles and cognitive distortions faced by vampires. The game challenges the glamorous portrayal of immortality in vampire fiction and acknowledges the complexities and challenges that come with eternal life.
In an interview with Cyrus Nemati, the founder of Little Bat Games and developer of Vampire Therapist, he shared insights into the inspiration behind the game. The idea stemmed from a scene in the Twilight movie where Edward Cullen, a vampire, plays the piano, prompting the question of the pressures and expectations placed on immortal beings. Nemati highlighted that vampires, as historical creatures, provide a unique lens to explore modern mental health issues, as their existential fears and neurochemistry are similar to humans despite living in different eras.
The protagonist of Vampire Therapist, Sam, is a cowboy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and mindfulness. Serving as both the client and therapist in the game, Sam learns about cognitive distortions while helping his vampire clients navigate their mental health issues. The game features a diverse cast of vampire characters, each facing unique challenges such as agoraphobia, narcissism, and guilt, providing a broad spectrum of mental health issues for players to explore.
One of the key elements of Vampire Therapist is the incorporation of therapy mechanics, where players engage in conversations with vampire clients to identify and challenge cognitive distortions. The game emphasizes the importance of compassion, self-compassion, and understanding in addressing mental health issues. Licensed therapists were consulted during the development process to ensure the accurate portrayal of therapy concepts and terminology in the game.
Vampire Therapist is set in 2024 and takes place in a modern setting, allowing for contemporary themes such as social media addiction to be explored among vampire characters. The game’s humor draws inspiration from British comedy and historical references, creating a unique and engaging experience for players. With a linear narrative and a focus on reactivity, Vampire Therapist aims to provide an immersive and thought-provoking gameplay experience.
Overall, Vampire Therapist offers a fresh and innovative take on vampire lore by delving into the mental health struggles of immortal beings. Through its engaging storytelling, diverse characters, and therapeutic mechanics, the game promises to spark discussions around cognitive behavioral therapy and mental health awareness. Scheduled for release in June 2024 for PC, Vampire Therapist is poised to captivate players with its unique blend of humor, history, and psychological exploration.
