Introducing a new party guest: Azalea Forrest. She writes character-centric fantasy stories and has come to talk about her love for video games.
Video games don’t seem like something most people would think of when asked “what inspires you”. Times are changing, though, and video games are more and more part of today’s culture. Gone are the days where we’re told “games will rot your brain,” and I see more and more artists and writers alike speaking up about how games have influenced them.
Like all things in life, there is a range of quality, and games are no different.
For me, video games have been an integral part of my life. And it all started with the series Final Fantasy and Legend of Zelda.
Each iteration of Final Fantasy is its own universe, not without your typical collection of classes and tropes, and contains a blend of fantasy and sci-fi. VII and IX are the two most influential games of the series that I’ve played, VII being more heavily geared in the sci-fi genre, and IX heavily in fantasy. Coincidentally, IX is in my top three favorite games, if not my all-time-favorite.
Games have a unique position of being able to tell a story, while also taking you along for the ride. IX is full of exploration and was made in a time where voiceless cut-scenes were used for dramatic effect—and they worked. Short and to the point, you’re in awe right along with the characters you play as. I love the vast collection of characters, the active time events where you watch events unfold and learn more of a character’s personality, and the gorgeous pre-rendered backgrounds that sets the story up like a play.
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was a game where I would make up scenarios in my head as I ran across Hyrule, doing my own thing before I decided to save the world against evil. As the games have progressed, that idea has only amplified, especially so in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. I love open worlds where I’m free to explore and uncover secrets, but especially in a world like Hyrule where the light shines ever on through the darkness. Maybe Link as a hero comes off too simple for some—he never “speaks”, and always answers his hero’s calling. But for a video game, it works, and the whole point of his character is “courage.”
I don’t think I’ll ever stop playing games, and I believe the storytelling has only grown as games have progressed. They are an amazing vehicle for character development and plot, but they can also just be a cozy experience away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. All of my work has been touched by the influence of games, and I doubt that will change much in the future. 🙂
Check Azalea Forrest’s books:
About Azalea Forrest
Azalea Forrest is a fantasy author living with her partner, two cats, and leopard gecko in sunny Florida. Her stories focus on hope and adventure, being a better person, coping with mental illness, and doing your best. She loves getting inside a character’s head to learn who they are.
Aside from writing, she is also a photographer, editor, and gamer. Described as a “living Ghibli character”, Forrest wants to spread a little more light in the world. She is affiliated with Mathematician Records, where you can buy her books directly. You can find her on Twitter at @aforrestwrites, Facebook at @azaleaforrest, and Instagram at @aforrestwrites.
You can also find her on her site.
Tiny Elf Arcanist 
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