A Black Desert Online character standing in a medieval town with a shield on their back.

Do You Ever Actually Walk In Video Games?

Am I the only one who loves walking in video games, taking a leisurely stroll through my favourite virtual worlds, absorbing the little details?

I hope not.

Too many players race through video games, never releasing the run button as they storm through set-piece after set-piece to the closing credits.  In doing so, they miss out on truly experiencing the world that the game developers and designers have painstakingly put together for them to enjoy.  They miss out on being a part of the game world.

There are many reasons players should slow down and walk through the world of the game they’re playing.  The biggest one for me is to roleplay as a citizen of the game world.

For example, in Grand Theft Auto V, I’ll regularly switch to the first person view and explore the streets of Los Santos.  I’ll wander down back alleys and inspect storefronts (even those that aren’t operational in-game).  I’ll visit coffee shops and people-watch on the beach.  It makes Los Santos feel like a real, living place for me.

In Black Desert Online, I’ll stroll through Heidel City watching other players going about their business.  I’ll pop into taverns to see the NPC locals enjoying their drinks and watch as distant ships gradually drift towards the shore.  Considering I’m not a fan of the story in Black Desert, I’ve woven a story within the beautiful world that the developers have created.

I get the same enjoyment from hundreds of other games.  Elder Scrolls Online.  Red Dead Redemption 2.  Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas and, if we’re doing the Fallout thing, Fallout 4.

We as gamers have access to incredible worlds that are just begging to be explored.  Not slowing down and taking in the details is a disservice to those who have created them and also to ourselves.

Try walking.  Take an hour away from racing to the final boss.  It could revitalise your view of the world you’re exploring and breathe fresh life into your overall gaming experience.

Just a thought.