Because Games Matter - Victoria's Story - Extra Credits

Thank you to Victoria and to Game to Grow, a non-profit organization that has been helping tons of kids just like Victoria become more confident, creative, and socially capable though gaming. To make a donation to Game to Grow, visit gametogrow.org/ , text GAME to 707070 & check out their Critical Core RPG at www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Victoria was always a curious child, but an undiagnosed anxiety disorder and ADHD gave her a rough start. It was difficult to make friends and at school she was known as the weird kid. After she was diagnosed, medication helped! But she still struggled socially. But after her parents read about Game to Grow, they decided to give it a shot. D&D allows kids like Victoria to explore social situations in a structured, no-risk environment and soon, Victoria was breaking out of her shell.
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♪ Intro Music: "Penguin Cap" by CarboHydroM
bit.ly/1eIHTDS
♪ Outro Music:“The Goddess Gets Groovy Tonight”
by Garrett Williamson, UV Sir J
ocremix.org/remix/OCR03058

[@extrahistory]

If you want to learn more about Game to Grow, please check out their website gametogrow.org/ and take a look at their Critical Core project at gametogrow.org/criticalcore/ which is just so cool.

[@zephyrwayfarer]

Literally my life. Happy that some people found ways to escape when they were teens, instead of as adults. Wish I'd had this option when I was younger.

[@Artur_M.]

The project looks awesome!

[@meliabreuo99]

Wow my son is on the spectrum thank you so much for sharing this

[@GametoGrow]

Thanks so much for all of your support!

[@eduardooliveira2890]

Really happy to know such a project exists! Congratulations!

[@WhyGodby]

You are amazing people and I love you all

[@allegrettopines7257]

I wish I had this program available when I was a kid. Thank you for your hard work!

[@anon_22]

You guys are really great! I hope you will be able to continue doing such great work for many years to come.

[@faelreklaw8837]

good luck in all your endeavors

[@cwolvie]

Games matter...and not just VIDEO games. BOARD games matter, too. Thanks, EC. These are awesome tales.

[@Adam-cq2yo]

Well, technically, D&D is a tabletop RPG, but really, all types of games matter. Board games, RPGs, video games, card games (TCG and otherwise), LARPs, they all matter. Every single one has had an impact on somebody.

[@verbfrombonsai8852]

Even physical games like sports 😁

[@thequad8945]

Awww, I love stories like this, having ADHD myself, I felt so hard for this. Granted I was inattentive type...but yeah, I understand the lonliness and depression :( super glad that she has people around her to help her live her best life :)

[@Fertizis]

are you doing good now?

[@thequad8945]

@@Fertizis I am better, not necessarily good, but better

[@Fertizis]

@@thequad8945 if you ever need anything, I would love to help Wish you all the best! And don't hesitate to tell me

[@user-ji7kn3ul3v]

Sensory issues suck, I was out all of the FALL because of sensory issues

[@TheAgamidaex]

I got scared when you started with "She was" So glad to hear her story, thank you for this series

[@DegeneragentX]

Indeed. I was expecting a tragic turn. Glad that wasn't the case.

[@danabinghammclaughlin919]

I know, right?

[@Kobolds_in_a_trenchcoat]

And my theory that tabletop RPGs are just extremely roundabout group therapy sessions continues. No but seriously, tabletop RPGs are extremely healthy outlets for everyone.

[@insaincaldo]

Yes roleplay and improv in general lets you safely tackle pressing topics, learn problem solving, team building and can even show you how you will/should react in real world scenarios.

[@fenrirumbra3772]

I'm a TA, Studying to become a teacher and there are studies that show this.

[@Coryn02]

@@fenrirumbra3772 I wonder about this, since I'm also pursuing teaching as a profession. But I worry that trying to do something even remotely like this could have me be seen as unprofessional at best, or unfit to teach at worst.

[@nirast2561]

Good to hear she was VICTORIOUS in overcoming her anxiety! I'll show myself out...

[@TheFuriousBrother]

Why you going? I wanna hear more dad jokes!

[@mestre12]

That one is fine.

[@redornament3248]

We beg of you, tell us another......

[@deusmiles9340]

Thank you, the door is over there.

[@johngreen8344]

Mum: How do I look? Dad: *With your eyes.*

[@st.joanieofarc6115]

As someone with ADHD, this girls life nearly parallels my own

[@user-ji7kn3ul3v]

I was an awful child, also ADHD/SPD

[@amireinav1]

Also can I say just how awsome this is.

[@shawnheatherly]

I'm so glad games were able to help Victoria and her family.

[@RamonP6]

This kind of organizations deserver all the support they need and more.

[@nw2kr8bc3t]

4:17 the fact that she gave extra credits speaks loads about her confidence and ability to see herself as a talented growing individual, if this isn’t proof that a picture is worth a thousand words idk what is

[@drunorthodox]

I always wished there was a better way to help kids with ADHD me my mom and my dad all struggled when my parents were kids there was no help at all and with me there was only medicine that made me quiet and angry so for years kids called me retarted but this story makes me so happy and I'm glad for victoria and her family

[@Genesis23OPB]

i have adhd as well and was on medications in my middle and high school years and was allways the weird kid too. i wished we had a program like that around here.

[@user-ji7kn3ul3v]

Same but I hated those pills

[@austinmonreal2331]

A vid that discusses medication rationally as a means of helping people cope with their bodily problems AND discussing d&d as a means to develop socially? I couldn’t ask for more.

[@MrGamelover23]

Is there a version of this for adults? I'm 21 and I really wish I had this when I was a teen. I still don't invite friends out, and mom really wants me to be more social.

[@GametoGrow]

We're planning on expanding to offer adult groups soon! We're based in Seattle, but someday soon we'll be expanding further out.

[@mestre12]

@@GametoGrow that is awesome

[@panth753]

@@GametoGrow that is great. I would love to be part of a group since I find myself being awkward and shy around people.

[@arisenspirit]

To be honest I'm un the same situation. I mean I don't have any major problems but I never really socialized with anyone and now that I'm an adult it's very hard to come out of my shell as I don't really know how to interact with people

[@AkaiAzul]

Game to Grow How would your program differ from adults seeking out D&D groups with other adults?

[@lostbutfreesoul]

That is a good point I never thought on before: By playing a character in D&D, where one has to question motives and reasons behind an individual they control, one might get better at questioning their own motives and reasoning.

[@bottasheimfe5750]

I can very much associate with this story. I was very similar to Victoria around that age, although I mostly lashed out at school. Unfortunately I didn't really get a good solution for this. I was simply medicated, then sent to schools for mentally challenged kids. The thing is though, I was the smartest kid in those schools, because I wasn't mentally challenged in the same way most of the other kids were. Because of this, my mental growth is stunted, and I have to play catch up as an adult, which isn't easy. I am glad to hear a story so similar wind up so much better than mine

[@pixelamerica6601]

A beautiful yet thoroughly intense story

[@optimus2200]

these arent tears ..... they are drops of a magical potions of awesome powers and hugs that was so sweet and wonderful.

[@RuneKatashima]

This is the most well-drawn hair in the history of the show.

[@thearcanian5921]

I was just thinking that Game To Grow sounds like something that would be especially good for those of us with ASD. Then you mention that they literally made a game with that in mind. That's awesome.

[@hgugvhgv7728]

I love the games matter episodes so much. Thank you guys for doing them, they mean a lot to those of us who have a passion for games.

[@dastanghaedrahmati6977]

I cry at every one of these videos! I'm 30 and only recently I've started to tackle some of my social short comings, and i know through experiences that D&D really helps

[@RonnieRocker12345679]

It's weird but I found myself having a lot in common with Victoria: To explain, I'm on the autism spectrum (among other disabilities) and growing up I had temper issues which I managed to grow out off and a few years ago I started playing Dungeons and Dragons to improve my social skills which I still play to this day alongside Magic the Gathering. So yeah, a lot of this story hit home for me and I'm glad Victoria was able to use D&D in much the same way I've done.

[@doorbelldolphin]

Sus!

[@user-ji7kn3ul3v]

I have sensory issues/ severe ADHD

[@skinnyraf]

Thank you for this video. This reminded me of my childhood with ADHD and how roleplaying games (Warhammer, not AD&D) helped me manage my anxiety and cured me of nightmares once and for all.

[@kamille286]

Dang I wish I could do that! I have ADHD too (although I'm not hyperactive so it's just ADD) and that would literally be so helpful. I'm glad Victoria got the help she needed, this was a great video

[@supercyc10]

The goddess DOES get groovy I'm diggin' that end song

[@shandlespr]

These are always some of your best videos! No horrible forced jokes, just real storytelling.

[@ArrestedZeus]

I had a very similar childhood and seeing someone else that went through this... honestly brought me to tears. Thank you EC crew I can’t tell you how impactful this episode was for me. Thank you.

[@MissRaynor]

man, we need more of this

[@BinaryPLUR]

This is so wholesome and heartwarming 😭💗💗💗 I love DND and this is just so amazing!

[@kathyjoy5618]

Thank you both to Extra Credits and Victoria and her family for sharing this. It's not quite the same but my daughter was diagnosed with autism when she was 2. At the moment she is very low functioning. She just turned 7 but has been assessed as having a mental age somewhere between 18-24 months in various mental development areas. She is non verbal, and we and various specialists have been unable to toilet train her. We constantly worry that she will never have a normal life with friends, a social life, and hobbies, but Victoria's story gives us hope that someday she might achieve that.

[@coolcatwill]

I can't believe I've never heard of this! I am so glad your channel introduced me to this organization!

[@BleachBubblegum]

D&D; Helping people understand themselves for 14 years longer than I've been alive.

[@kennyblasberg3226]

This... is so amazing. Like really it’s hard to put into words how happy this makes me.

[@5x385]

Good job not shaming your child for existing.

[@volk551]

Thanks Extra Credits I now have diabetes, because of this sweet story.

[@jorgec98]

I love how you included her actual drawing

[@christiansmith4542]

I just randomly clicked on this playlist to listen to something in the background while playing a game, but now I'm crying. Thanks guys! But these kids and stories is also the main driving reason why I'm also working towards a career in game development. So thanks again for keeping me motivated and moving in the right direction.

[@royalanempire2965]

Spot on Extra credits spot on.

[@yonokhanman654]

4:19 This looks way better than anything I have ever drawn with pencil. XD

[@willfreedan944]

These videos about how games helped people are among the best you release. Thank you!

[@guy3nder529]

my response to "was diagnosed with adhd and began medication" was "oh no". ritalin may be one of the best things ever happened to me in hindsight, but its various side effects are particularly unenjoyable, often have some cost and in later years have proven detrimental. im about 4 years off any adhd medication and happy i am. i learned to take control of my concentration while not being socially limited by that awful methylphenidate. sharing those stories is great and inspiring. keep doing what you do!

[@EthanDyTioco]

This is so wholesome :)

[@wesleypatterson2989]

Aaww, what an amazing story! Good for Victoria, I shore wish i'd had something like that growing up!

[@Quietwulf1978]

What a wonderful story and worthwhile program. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@armchairrocketscientist4934]

Thank you for these videos! Games too often have a stigma about them, but there are so many different types of games, and ways they can help people.

[@westpointsoulja]

As the father of a child who is on the spectrum, this was very encouraging.

[@blaster915]

Bless you Extra Credits for sharing stories like these ❤️

[@kisaLuver]

Man, I wish I'd had this kind of stuff when I was diagnosed with autism at age 9. Back then my grade school didn't even have mental health resources yet, just one school counselor for the whole school.

[@ManeFunction]

Such stories always bring me tears... So emotional...

[@brianlewolfhunt]

These videos are always the best. I love seeing the good that games can do, even on an individual basis.

[@mauktheogre4477]

Man, same thing happened to me. DnD brought me out of the shell and got me introduced to my best friends.

[@CleoPinto4317]

This is wonderful to hear. I am a dedicated d&d gamer and I have adhd myself (although it is inattentive type and affects my focus rather than my aggression). It is great to know that the game I love is helping people in hard situations.

[@thomasmizrahi]

This is so wholesome I want to cry

[@mythirdchannel]

I am so happy that people out there are daring to dream, and coming up with such amazing projects, it blows my mind! Games really do matter

[@kyleshiflet9952]

I wish this was an option when I was a kid cause sadly to this day at 22 and working a full time sadly I'm still a little ackward and shy around people I just wave when people introduce me not saying much I listen to this channel or to my music mainly acid roc which helps keep me calm and I don't have alot of friends

[@kellylipke7939]

Thanks for this. I preordered Critical Core and am excited to create adventures with all 3 of my kids!

[@auno94]

God, who the send a ninja to cut some onions. That's awesome.

[@wilyape1750]

The Buckee's sign at the start is awesome.

[@EVacStation]

Wish this had been around when I was a kid. I played D&D with friends, but never with a focused intent like that. Seems like I could have benefited from that just a wee bit. :P

[@startrek2365]

This is so moving. I need to find a way to apply this to my kids.

[@AlbireoTheLion]

D&D helped me too when I was younger now I run Adventure league at a local game shop every week and how I met my current wife

[@DomyTheMad420]

Heartwarming.

[@brunofasanaro6157]

I am a DM myself . Hear this is really heartwarming

[@andhikasoehalim3170]

I wish I had something like Games to Grow when I was growing up

[@TheShubLub]

This resonates with me

[@danc6167]

Her story sounds pretty similar to that of my nieces and me. So glad to hear that she got the help she needed

[@Crylar44]

Always straight in the feels, so much feels!!

[@yarilcaos]

I love this stories, thanks!

[@handsomezone6290]

And to think, DnD was widely regarded as a devil's game not too long ago

[@Bill_Garthright]

Crazy religious nuts still think so, don't they? Nothing is too crazy for the faith-based. Luckily, they don't all agree about _anything._

[@PatTriesAgain]

I love you guys ! We need this series every year ?

[@whhyyyyyyyyyy]

i think his is the third year just go to the channel and type in because games matter

[@anon_22]

Only able to donate a small amount but I think this project deserves further donations :) so if any of you have a few $ to spare I can totally recommend them ^-^

[@GametoGrow]

Every dollar helps! Thanks for your support!

[@Inogat]

this is extremely awesome !!!

[@FebruaryWashington]

Thanks EC for making me have something to look forward to and something that gives me a reason to even pursue game development. I've stopped effort on too many things due to pressure alone, and that's not going to stop anytime soon. But I don't want that to happen to making games. It's something good. It's something great.

[@Roxor128]

This is one of the times when Matt really works as the narrator for Extra Credits.

[@user-qj7qq6lw2n]

Damn... That outro is tight... Am I hearing my new jam.... Cool

[@wowcool454]

I'm pretty sure its a Stiens Gate remix if your interested.

[@GlenRAHenry]

So Awesome!

[@Kevin-iu8hl]

That is a wonderful story!

[@15098D]

DnD is beautiful in so many ways

[@raybarron316]

What a great episode! Games DO matter. Thanks. 😃

[@Rollinghypogrif240]

Because games is life

[@dissonanceparadiddle]

This is so sweet

[@silversickle6015]

I really wanna follow her, I’d love to see more of her art :)

[@odiedog]

Awesome story!

[@JynxBlack13]

I'm not crying , you're crying!! That is wonderful!!

[@loverofallanimals3112]

That is an amazing story.

[@thelogan4641]

This would have been so useful to me as a kid, I'm really happy it happened to her!

[@willparker9772]

How do I like a video more than once

[@1Andydude]

I love this.

[@spyro2002]

Man I almost cried

[@PurpleFreezerPage]

I love this stuff.

[@theepicspy570]

My god I hope I get access to and involved in something like this before I'm out of high school... :c

[@melonheadthecherrybomb5886]

Get in contact with them. Or maybe just start up your own.

[@prestonjones1653]

I wish this kind of stuff existed when I was a kid. As an adult with autism, anxiety, and major depressive disorder it can be almost impossible to find help that isn't almost exclusively for children. Kids need help, but you don't outgrow autism. You just age out of any help.

[@inkynewt]

if I didn't live hand to mouth you bet these kids would get ALL my money, this is awesome

[@toast1605]

YES! More because games matter!

[@swallow6630]

Treated like a doll to "treat" seems infuriating

[@freemovies9121]

Games cause me not to feel lonely and sad

[@ZacSladePants]

Man, I wish I had game to grow when I was that age.