Dark Souls, Implied Player and Stoic Ethics

Abstract

This article examines the gameplay experience of Dark Souls. By analysing the game's mechanics and dynamics, we can delineate the implied player that was designed by the authors. The characteristics of the implied player are then related to some passages of classical philosophy, highlighting the points of contact between the elements of the game and some cardinal principles of Stoic ethics. I argue that the processes, rules and mechanics of the game create a peculiar play experience that resonates with the vision of Stoic philosophy. General principles such as a constructive attitude towards adversity, and failure and the management of negative emotions are structured through the rules and dynamics of the game. Progression in Dark Souls requires the enactment of meaningful game actions that can have transformative potential. The study indicates that both the precepts of Stoic ethics and the Dark Souls game system can bring positive consequences for the psyche. Finally, in the bibliographical appendix, I collect significant testimonies of players who speak of their transformative relationship with Dark Souls.