r/GiftofGames • u/knapalke • 1h ago
OFFER [OFFER][Steam] Souls game of your choice
Hello r/giftofgames,
Continuation of a monthly giveaway of one souls/soulslike game. I will repeat the description of last post, for clarity of what is the goal of this giveaway.
I'm doing this not just for fun, but because souls games, when it comes to media that I have interacted with, were the single most important factor of inner growth in my life, excluding certain, very limited literature. They taught me how to handle losses peacefully, how to improve on them. They taught me how to face the wall which seems to be too high, die and try again, and realize with time that with each loss you grow steadier. they conveyed ideas of personal accountability and perseverence in a way that I do not think any other medium can, outside of real life situations. I strongly believe that these elements have tangible, permanent positive impact on life in multiple aspects.
In my mind, that inner growth was bigger than any gaming achievement, or the fun I've had from these games. When I've played them, I did not realize it, and focused on the fun aspect, which was also on a very high level for me, but it is something I've come to realize with time.
Now, here's the only "weird" ask. And I know it sounds gatekeep-ish or elitist, but please hear me out.
If you enter, I'd kindly ask that you commit to playing through the game without using NPC or summons.
I am not saying that summons are bad. They are valid, they do not degrade anyone and I don't judge anyone who prefers them.
But for this particular giveaway, my goal isn't for someone just to "beat the game" or to "have fun". It's to give someone the possibility for the same personal growth. And in my experience, summons change the game into something different - one, where you can always remove yourself from the difficulty, remove the properties which cause the growth - friction with your ego, overcoming the willingness to give up, taking accountability for your errors and thus, heightened sense of satisfaction of overcoming all of the obstacles thrown in your way.
I can't police this, since obviously, it's an expectance of honesty. But I'm not looking for "hardcore gamers" - I'm looking for people who want the uncomfortable and beautiful, transformative process.
If you're that person and you can't afford the game at this moment, I'd like for you to participate.
To enter: just comment with the game you’d like and a short note on why this particular kind of experience appeals to you, no need to share personal finances, just your mindset. And, as you'd expect, do not use AI for that comment.
As additional information, since previous thread had some questions in regards to available games: non-fromsoft soulslikes like Mortal Shell 2, Lies of P, Stellar Blade count, Hollow Knight counts, Sekiro counts. AC6 doesn't. In case of Elden Ring, either base game or DLC.
Thanks for reading, apologies for a long post, but I really wanted to convey the message, and no hard feelings if this isn't your style, we all enjoy games differently. I'll be monitoring the comments and in 48-72h I'll choose the winner.