The Uncanny Thrill of Bad Endings

Video games provide a unique opportunity in bad endings because very rarely does a story in any other medium allow for the chance to receive an alternative conclusion based on how you influenced that story. Today on Psych of Play, we will be talking about what makes these bad endings so fascinating, why we find ourselves watching them out of curiosity, and how we use a similar cognition in our everyday lives.
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Continue? (0:00​)
In 2013... (0:46)
When it all goes wrong (2:08)
A spoilerific conundrum (4:13)
"What if..." (4:57)
Counterfactual Thinking (7:15)
Danganronpa lmao (10:04)
Bad Endings are a form of CFT (10:54​)
Beginning of the end (14:42)
End of the beginning (16:14)
▶Games Shown (not in the bottom left corner like usual to respect context for spoilers)
Persona 5: Royal (2019) - Atlus, P Studio
Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019) - Intelligent Systems
Guilty Gear Strive (2021) - Arc System Works
Hollow Knight (2017) - Team Cherry
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (2000) - Nintendo
Undertale (2015) - Toby Fox
Mario Party Superstars (2021) - NDcube
Paper Mario The Thousand Year Door (2004) - Intelligent Systems, Nintendo
Metroid Dread (2021) - Mercury Steam
Xenoblade Chronicles (2010) - MonolithSoft
NieR:Automata (2017) - PlatinumGames
Elden Ring (2022) - FromSoftware
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011) - Nintendo
Detroit Become Human (2018) - David Cage
Haven (2021) - The Game Bakers
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) - FromSoftware
BioShock (2007) - 2K Games
Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) - CD Projekt RED
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (2008) - LucasArts
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (2010) - LucasArts
OMORI (2020) - OMOCAT, LLC
Far Cry 3 (2012) - Ubisoft
Dying Light: The Following (2015) - Techland
Shadow of Memories (2001) - Konami
Dead Space 2 (2011) - Visceral Games
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003) - AlphaDream
Cuphead (2017) - Studio MDHR
Batman: Arkham City (2011) - Rocksteady
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (2010) - Spike Chunsoft
Control (2019) - Remedy Entertainment
Dark Souls (2011) - FromSoftware
Super Mario Odyssey (2017) - Nintendo
Resident Evil 3 (2020) - Capcom
God of War (2018) - SCE Santa Monica Studio
Ghost of Tsushima (2020) - Sucker Punch Productions
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006) - Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011) - Nintendo
Catherine (2011) - Atlus
Knuckles' Chaotix (1995) - SEGA
ANNO: Mutationem (2022) - Thinking Stars
Final Fantasy XIII (2009) - Square Enix
Deltarune Chapter 2 (2021) - Toby Fox
Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020) - Square Enix
What Remains of Edith Finch (2017) - Giant Sparrow
Gris (2018) - Nomada Studio
▶Media/Clips/Considerations:
• THE END
▶Music Sources (in Order):
Haven OST - Sweet Insomnia
Undertale OST - Dating Tense!
Xenoblade Chronicles OST - Apprehension
Contact Lens - Seagulls (open.spotify.com/artist/7oXHE...)
DANGANRONPA OST - Beautiful Dead
Somnium Music - "Dark Dreams" Dark Lofi ( • "Dark Dreams" Silent H... )
Persona PSP OST - Avidia World
Track: Cinematic Ambient Story with Emotional Epic Ending by MokkaMusic / Thorny Path • (No Copyright Music) C...
Music provided by "MokkaMusic" channel and inaudio.org
Distant Memories - Kyoshin
▶Research Articles Cited
ARTICLES
The Efficacy of Downward Counterfactual Thinking for Regulating Emotional Memories in Anxious Individuals
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Maladaptive Daydreaming
my.clevelandclinic.org/health....
#PsychofPlay

[@casuallygrim9539]

Psychology was never the reason I kept coming back to channel, it was your really insightful thoughts about everything, whether they were complex studies or just simply games. Really excited to see where you're headed, and I think we're all ready to hear you talk about anything as long as you're passionate about it!

[@wolfsmaul-ger8318]

much the same, it wasn't just the topics which had me interested and gripped through each video but how passionately they were presented

[@deki9827]

@@wolfsmaul-ger8318 This. I've loved myself a deep ass imaginative journey through games or anime that i haven't even watched. Daryl is the reason I watch this show, not Psych

[@helloguy8934]

100% agree. I swear daryl sells me on certain games a lot. Now I wanna play danganronpa.

[@Shrooblord]

+

[@Odeofodium]

That is kinda partially psychology

[@GMTK]

Good luck with the new focus, Daryl! I know it's scary to change up the formula, but it's a wonderful way to inject new life and joy into the work

[@sidwasnothere]

Mid-evolution GMTK supporting starting-evolution Daryl?? Dope :D

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thanks a ton Mark! I appreciate it man 🙏🏼

[@vizthex]

oh damn, i didn't expect to see GMT here!

[@gloves6807]

@@DarylTalksGames I look forward to the new format even if I will miss the old

[@zesideral]

My favorite "game analysis" channel commenting on my favorite "game analysis" channel, what a pleasure 🙃

[@aranavenger]

I remember finding bad ends for the first time in choose your own adventure books and they blew my mind. I was a kid and never read anything that ended badly before, and having it be my own fault (sort of some of those endings were pretty dumb) was so amazing. I love that videogames can take it so much farther

[@jbear3478]

I got eaten by a kamodo dragon once

[@user-fe8gx3ie5v]

@@jbear3478 komodo*

[@EnderPanReigns]

Yes, as a kid I think the Mount Everest choose your adventure books SHAPED me

[@mixttime]

I remember reading choose your own adventure Goosebumps a lot as a kid. I would stick fingers into pages to be able to redo choices until I could barely turn the page.

[@helenkeller7783]

I love when youtubers decided to make a more open ended variety of videos, you can really feel the bump in passion when they can just make what they want. Can't wait to see what you have in store

[@thrownstair]

One of my favourite KZbinrs of all time just makes videos about whatever: jan Misali.

[@Ikcatcher]

I like when bad endings actually help expand on a character’s personality or motivations that actually aren’t seen in the good ending. Putting them in the worst case scenario and seeing how they react to it is something only games can do. Also, I’m excited to see what you have planned for the future.

[@HarmoneaSinn]

This is the true fun of bad endings for me, too. Every character, if written believably, has a breaking point. It's incredibly interesting to see what circumstances are enough to finally break your favorites, and how they change when that happens. Fiction gives us a safe, cathartic space to explore what happens when the worst comes to pass, like Daryl covers in his videos on the peace of being lost or the helplessness of Deepnest, and bad endings are a fiction within that fiction - in actual canon, everything is fine.

[@kacheek9101]

This! There's a VN I've played where my opinion of one the characters plummeted because of how they handled a bad ending

[@Mauripsu]

@@kacheek9101 Stupid question, is it any of the Zero Escape games?

[@Densoro]

This is a major part of it for me too, and it's why I love games like visual novels that have distinct routes. You might have one whole plot where you're in the antihero's shadow, trying to get on his level but prove him wrong -- and then another whole route where this fixture in your character's life _dies,_ and you have to see who you'd be without him.

[@elli_senfsaat]

As someone who enjoys story-driven games, I really like optional bad endings. Unfortunately, the games I play usually don't feature such thing ^^' Majora's Mask is the best example for this, Skyward Sword has something for it, too. The only other Zelda-game with a proper bad ending is Minish Cap of all things... I wish Zelda-games would go this route more often!

[@emkay3077]

As much as I love(d) psych of play, I'm really happy you decided to go take the path you want to instead of forcing yourself to stay on a path that restrains you from freeing your full potential. I really cannot wait to see you covering other topics; if you managed to nail psychology, I'm beyond positive that you're more than able to talk about other interesting things as well. Here's to a new era!

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you so much! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the vote of confidence 🙏🏼

[@fIorisss]

i agree very much

[@daughteroftheking1222]

Cheers!

[@roboknight5359]

The editing of this video and how you incorporated it to the topic of bad endings is genius i can't wait to see what you do next

[@mangalexiss]

100% agree. It both helped the arguments he made about bad endings, while making the video ever more enticing. Really great writing !

[@cloudGremlin]

I have anxiety and am autistic, “bad endings” are a good way for me to process the worst case scenario before things go bad in real life. Helps me feel prepared

[@ashleyr6428]

I feel you 😌

[@Human_traain]

​@@ashleyr6428you do not

[@xxpromlggamerproxx]

@@Human_traain bruh

[@adrianomanuelreyparra5165]

Bad endings are just a conjecture. So are good endings. Until anything hapens... it's anyone's game. Just as things can go wrong, they can go well. No one can tell until the outcome has been revealed. Believe me, I'm autistic and have anxiety too. I take the worst case scenario as a posibility, but not as the only possibility. The anxiety is the bitchy saboteur. I once was in the same situation as you... big hug ny friend.

[@pyoheliobros5773]

I will miss Psych of Play, but if it's holding you back and it's better to go on without it, then I'm glad you made the decision.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thanks a ton Pyo

[@PikminBak]

Man, I will watch anything you put out. Looking forward to this new era of DTG!

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thanks as always Sophie!

[@avfxz]

wait 23 hours Oh patreon

[@dylano6804]

For real I’m here for whatever’s next

[@SocraTetris]

Its exciting that you'll be writing whatever topics inspire you to write. I had to do that quite a while back when I decided to stop requiring myself to attribute a video game's ideas to a specific philosopher or field of philosophy. And allowing my own experiences drive the writing allowed me to write through my lens of philosophy more broadly and more authentically. This is going to be an amazing change for you, and all the real ones will appreciate what you're doing

[@bippythechippy882]

My favorite Bad Ending of a game ever is Persona 3. It's not the most obvious ending but soooo much goes wrong. Yukari's line about not caring what you want with your life, neither Junpei nor Yukari knowing how they met, Aigis clearly remembering you but not being able to bear looking you in the eye, Mitsuru's speech about her father dying from an illness despite it very obviously feeling wrong, and the fact that they all die with no one knowing or expecting it while it's coming. Especially with the fact that Ken dying without remembering what happened to his mother. It's just such a perfect fuster cluck of every thing that could possibly go wrong from memory erasure and oh my god I just love it so much

[@MidniteSpectre]

I believe the best thing about it is that its a choice. You can choose that ending. It wasn't beought about by branching flowcharts of decisions, but just one single choice, and it tells you very clearly what happens if you make this choice. It is understandable, being told that this is the natural state of things, that this was inevitable and that resistance is futile.

[@NotNormalYT]

Of course I loved the psych of plays. You made something that at least to me seemed monotonous and made it interesting and fun to learn about. That being said every creator should never feel like they need to hold themselves back so that they can meet a criteria. Make what you wanna make. Don't hold yourself back and I promise you, if do what you love, others will love it too. Can't wait to see where you'll take the channel man. And whatever happens, make sure you enjoy it

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you so much!

[@Kisher02]

I genuinely think this is a step for the better, it'll make videos less complicated to make and give you more freedom on what to talk about. I'm absolutely looking forward to what's to come on this channel, Daryl!

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thanks for understanding Kishan!

[@FabulousJejmaze]

The unparallelled basedness of a Hat Kid avatar

[@artzy_susu7483]

I won't lie, the psychology aspect of this channel is what initially brought me to your videos, because of my fascination of psychology and my love of games. Each video helped me learn and understand new things, and hell, it even got me interested in wrestling (even if by a small part). But the thing I liked most about it was how you seemed to genuinely like talking about all the subjects you do. I often put videos in the background to listen to people ramble on and on about their likes and dislikes, its just fun. I am so excited to see what your future videos have in store for us, and I'm so glad that you decided to pursue what you wanted, for you and this. Thank you for bringing us psyc of play, and I am nothing but eager for your next upload!

[@cduke0504]

As somebody who was hit by a car a few years ago, I couldn’t help but tear up hearing somebody describe many of the thoughts I’ve faced over the last few years. I doubt Daryl will see this, but I love this channel and it makes me fall back in love with gaming with every upload. Keep making me cry, dude

[@Human_traain]

How preposterous

[@jasonlwp149]

Looking forward to where this new chapter takes you! I and I'm sure many of us look forward to seeing what you explore next

[@besknighter]

What about when you get the bad ending when you were actually trying to get the good one? That's the most devastating to me and when it happens it takes a long time to process all the feelings 😅

[@Makoto0729]

So I'll admit the psychology aspects were part of what made me first click on the first thing that made me discover your channel, and I DO find it interesting, but what's kept me coming back was honestly your storytelling and editing. You're FANTASTIC at those to the point where I know anything from you is going to be interesting, even when it's on a topic I don't care about. I do hope you'll still continue to break down analytically games in the same way, even if not from a psychological lens, because I enjoy how I always seem to learn something new from your videos, but tbh if you just want to like talk about how incredible X or Y was and gush for a while that's cool too. Whatever you do, I look forward to seeing what your manage to do freed from those shackles

[@matteste]

School Days is a game that has somewhat become infamous for its bad endings. In fact, when it was adapted to an anime they actually followed the darkest route possible. While many lambast its quality, few can deny what an impression it made.

[@D3cuca]

I was studying psychology and after 2 years of work on myself and my goals, I'm a game dev now ❤️ Your videos were and will always be the embodiment of why I love game design! GD and psychology are not hard sciences, but they are a way to question ourselves and our impact on others. I love every little question that your videos have made me think. Thanks for accompanying me and it will be a honor to accompany you and your inspiring content wherever you feel is best for you ❤️

[@july_fish]

Good luck on your endeavor!

[@slayerone1226]

This entire episode was genius working the topic of the video into the meta narative of your channels new direction and telling those two stories simultaneously bravo my man bravo.

[@ThePurpleCheeseMan]

I'd always assumed the merging of psychology with games was only a plus for you and the scripts always turned out so amazingly that I never occurred to me that it might be more trouble than it's worth. Using the Bad Ending/True Ending structure to explain your thoughts was brilliant! I'm excited to see the next videos now that you're free to go anywhere with the writing!

[@pinkiepone3299]

Honestly after seeing your Collective Despair video I was really excited to see you do more content like that. Your videos really encapsulate the feeling of a video essay to me, presenting evidence and weaving in what you truly think at the same time to make your cases. Even as you move past talking about psychological studies, I think you could do really well with anything you put your mind to. Happy to stay subbed for more, Daryl!

[@BubblenutMcMuffin]

I love the psychology of it all, you've helped me learn quite a bit about one of my most favorite topics. However, I think it's a good move. I can't imagine trying to find psychology topics for so many things about games, and it is really limiting as to what you could upload. I'm excited for the next chapter coming, and I am most certainly glad that there will still be some sort of psychology related topics, regardless of how much. I'm happy that you can do more now with your content, it must feel like a weight off your shoulders and a breath of fresh air being able to do more of what you'd like to do! And I'm here for it 100%. Have some damn good fun, and, (not to steal your line but,) have a damn good one.

[@DarylTalksGames]

That’s exactly what it’ll be for me and I’m pumped for what’s next, thanks for being on board B McMuf 🔥

[@endergaming2760]

While I will say that I will miss Psych of Play, I'm glad you're going to do what you feel is right. I found this channel due to my interest in Psychology, but I stayed because of your personality and even your voice. I watch whenever something from you pops up anyway, it's a soothing thing for me. I'll miss psychology but I'm happy you're going to go in a direction which you'll feel more free to discover yourself, at the end of the day, you've amassed a following who want you to be happy and will enjoy whatever you do. Good luck with it all and I can't wait to see what you do! In terms of the actual video, I find that I replay one specific memory over and over again, the same 'what ifs'. This memory was when I had my first semi serious motorcycle crash. I remember slipping and losing control of the bike, being flung over a curb and having my head on the road while my body was on the paving, then I remember looking up at a wheel of an 18 wheeler that was passing by safely on the other side of the road. Everything goes through my mind whenever I approach that corner now but I'm more confident then ever, but what if? What if I had gone an inch or two further? what if I had hit a car? what if I had serious injuries besides a messed up ankle? what if I hadn't insisted on my full gear? What if I had a bad ending? All these go through my mind but then I return to reality and realise I'm okay. I think that's what I do it for, remembering that I am okay.

[@bigboibebop]

Damn Darryl! This video was expertly crafted, you mixed the whole “bad ending” thing in perfectly with what you wanted to say regarding the future of the channel!

[@AngraMainiiu]

I think Drakengard 1 has the best examples of "good" bad endings. Each one is incredibly unique and can range from bittersweet to horrifying, with ending E basically being Cloverfield: The Game.

[@lumenessent]

this video is a genuine masterpiece to me and it has nothing to do with how you implement psychology into it. i watch your channel because you are one of the best script writers i have ever seen and no matter what you were talking about i would still listen to it in its entirety and enjoy it. your channel is unique because you are unique and your videos show that.

[@shiwakao]

your channel originally drew me in through your analysis of games through a psychological lens but at this point i've stayed long enough that im more interesting in your writing n personal perspective of these topics, not just the research that backs it up. im excited to see you make videos that you feel are truly up to par w your vision n are not held back by an unnecessary obligation.

[@ivankonishi7979]

Bro, that build up for the announcement and the video ending made me feel things I only feel when I finish those damn good games with alternative endings, really excited for your next videos!

[@francis2410]

The way you structured your video is insane man! Mixing the psychology content with your honest confidence was so well thaught! As you explained more and more the psychology of bad endings, I gradually understood why you were tired of always having to put psychology everywhere. Make videos that you like making man! I'm pretty sure I'll have a blast on them anyway. Your video on anime is one of favorite too btw. I always said gamers should not be afraid of being weebs!

[@kacheek9101]

Not gonna lie, the psych is definitely what brought me to your channel, but as long as you keep doing insightful videos, I'll be here Also, top notch editing there

[@MysteriousSubstance]

That's what my thought was too!

[@thepotatoartist689]

I'm so excited for this new era on the channel! It's like a Renaissance.

[@sloppyslabba]

Ngl homie, it's not the psychology analysis that kept me coming back here, moreso your personality and thoughtful takes. Thanks for all this dude

[@DolphinTillTheEnd]

You've done an amazing work so far, lately your channel has become one of my favorites for video game analysis, and I'm sure you'll be able to apply yourself to any topic you want to tackle without having to rely on psychology

[@mrgranadas2051]

You know, those last 30 seconds of the video were electric. I can feel both the fear and conviction behind your words. You're going to do great in whatever you direction you decide to go in. Keep it up!

[@thestrangefishlikeentity9967]

Seeing this after some of his more recent uploads, it feels like he's gotten some of his best content yet out the door since then. Time and elevators are two of the videos he made that are my favorites. You got this, Daryl!

[@gusgarrison9211]

God, the writing and editing of your videos are so compelling. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this whole video. Amazing work

[@50CalibeRifle]

Your channel is unique in and of itself, the way you talk is unique. We're here not for the psychology only, but for you, anything you will talk about with passion would work for me :) Go Daryl!

[@roy4173]

You have such a talent for crafting a narrative as you design your videos. Looking forward to seeing where your content takes you. And I hope it brings you happiness and success.

[@cartelbeheadingvideos]

Sad that psych of play is ending, but I trust your writing ability so much that I’m still very excited for what you have in store for us!

[@skytterbrain_]

If there’s one thing I’ve ever liked about Psych of Play, it wasn’t as much the science of it as it was your passion. No matter what the video is on, if it’s about personality, learned helplessness, getting lost, games, anime, wrestling, you genuinely CARE about what you’re talking about, and that’s special, that’s what keeps me coming back. This new approach is an amazing way to keep that passion flowing, and that’s honestly what matters, is that you’re happy about what you do and you care about it. I’m not going anywhere, and I’m sure many others feel the same. Extremely stoked to support you and your upcoming videos!

[@Ahrpigi]

Obsessing over the worst possible outcomes or inventing whole new awful scenarios to mentally live in and do all the emotional labor of experiencing was one of the first major hurdles I had to overcome when getting a handle on my depression and mental health. As covered here, the framing of a thing is the most important part; being glad that it wasn't worse and learning from it (or rejecting the what-ifs that intrusive thoughts present), instead of trapping yourself thinking that it could have been worse or beating yourself up for "not doing better".

[@mccraecobern8056]

This was such a fantastic video and one of the coolest ways to make an announcement! I’ve always enjoyed the the psychological approach but I’m very interested to see this new direction you go to! Good luck Daryl! Can’t wait to see what comes next!

[@samcherry4741]

My favorite part of your channel has always been that I can feel how much you enjoy these things through the element of psychology. So if you're focusing on that catharsis, I'm all in.

[@shopnil4]

The bad ending I love the most is from Pikmin. Something about being stuck on a foreign planet, knowing that you have no way of heading back home, but still having to try. Then you realize that even if you try, you won't make it back. You fall back down, knowing that you'll die either in the crash, or lack of breathable air, with you family never knowing where you are or what happened to you. It is, of course, cut off by a funny cutscene to lighten the mood, but the final results screen does show before that. That, and the music that plays during then makes me feel really reflective of my life.

[@pilgrimspromise1132]

This channel has quickly become one of my favorite on KZbin because of the way it blends my love of video game and psychology

[@korashable]

Really excited for this change! I found you through your shiny pokemon video and binged everything after. You've got such an enthralling way for interweaving the information and games. I'm really confident that this will open some omega cool doors for your channel!

[@stringinstrumentssuck3034]

I'm proud of you for choosing your interests over what performs best. I'm looking forward to anything you make

[@lazyb0nez_]

so i just got into my first car accident ever - it was this morning, and i hit a deer from behind a slightly foggy windshield. my sister screamed, i tried to get over to the side, and in that moment i tried to think about what to do in the situation. one of the first things i actually thought of was the upward and downward counterfactual thinking, and it has helped tremendously with the terrifying situation. understanding what could have gone better, or even worse, it makes you realize how things are now, and what you couldn’t have controlled. thank you daryl for the breakdown of your crash story, and for giving me a sense of reprieve from something this scary.

[@shiaakatsuki7865]

15:41 The image on the screen just signed a 3-month contract to appear in my nightmares.

[@erik6737]

I really really enjoyed the writing in this video - can't wait to see what you'll be able to write from now on with all of these limitations gone!

[@detrome]

Your videos always captivate me a way. It always gets my focus and i spend time thinking about the video. I will be sad that it is gone, but it is time to move on.

[@Amins88]

Jesus, I spent the video thinking your cut-ins were just some gimmick for the theme of the video. But then you catapult off of that into an epilogue ending that makes the "bad ending" canon, but just a step into a brighter future! Truly brilliant! And it's also a huge thing I've been thinking myself while watching your videos over the years. I've always thought your opinions were worth more than just being bound to the pretext of psychology and have always been waiting for this evolution of content. I'm proud of you!

[@issacthompson330]

I love the fact you used the Bad Ending video, got us to imagine a worse route for the channel, and then dropped your announcement at the end for the best possible outcome of such an announcement.

[@lunitic_1948]

I’ve been here for a bit now (3-4 years), and while the psychology is what drew me in, over time I grew to appreciate your content as a whole. I was genuinely happy when I watched the anime episode because I really do want to see what else you could make. Your style as a whole is so good and I’d love to see it in a different context. Can’t wait to see what you have planned! :)

[@whatsappme0066]

👆 Thanks for the comment 🎊 You just won a gift🎁.✍️

[@i8chocolatecake995]

had me stressin through the whole video xD But of course I support this change!! I love your content- the psychology was just another neat aspect! So getting to see more of your content and ideas and hearing what you think about games even if its not Psych based is still going to be amazing :D I can't wait to see what comes next, and I hope you have a great time making it all happen :]

[@hisshoes1107]

Your voice is just that perfect mix. It’s not overwhelmingly calming where I’m about to fall asleep, but it’s also still nice to listen to. I will genuinely watch anything you make, both because of your voice work, and because of your scripts and such!

[@phillywoody]

DUDE what a banger episode. Way to end it out! I'm so happy to watch this new chapter of your KZbin channel play out. I wish the best of luck for this new direction.

[@Arauto_Kagnos]

I'm glad your channel is still going to keep going, was a bit afraid when you said it was the final psych of play. As someone who's also in academia I can relate to sometimes just wanting to talk about games and not having to worry about what literary theory I can use.

[@InfiEternal801]

Gosh that was such a good series. Can't wait to see the next new era of DTG!

[@nataliacristina6670]

Man, what a great video. thank you for all the time you dedicated yourself to the psych of play, you videos made me love games in a whole other way.

[@AchronTimeless]

Looking forward to the future because you make some of my favorite long form videos and a wider range of topics just means more wonderful things to watch

[@King0fKyles]

Next time you wanna make an announcement like this please make it it’s own video or at the end because getting jump scared by you saying you’re about to quit in arg video quality isn’t the best for watching a video, great video though! Excited to see where you take your channel

[@FeltonDood]

I'll watch anything you put out, psych of play was just a way for me to find your content. If consistently did awesome videos, I'm sure your next videos will be just as good. Your content is some of the best on KZbin. Top Tier video essays every time. Love your stuff. You'll drop bangers for the rest of your time making videos.

[@ceejaydelumen1552]

Always be supporting you no matter what! Keep up the good job. Excited for the upcoming new vids!

[@simonheath1192]

It has been such an honor to follow along on your journey or this Chanel so far and getting to see and learn from all of your videos and definatly looking forward to seeing what is going to happen in the future for this channel and looking forward to comming along for the journey to come

[@doesntmatter1844]

Man this feels weird. Your videos have hit me on a deep place at times, and have helped me realize so much of myself. I just find it to be such a coincidence that the day after I realized so much of myself that I needed to free up and stop holding unto, I watch this. A video of you realizing you want to stop holding unto a format that has worked for you and evolve into something new. I will continue to watch your content and I can’t wait to see what you do in the future. ✌🏾

[@Dark_Peace]

First Behind the Frame, now Psych of Play... All the good intellectual shows end. Édit : thank god you scared me. Wishing the best for what's to come and looking forward to it :D You've been a great source of inspiration for me as an indie gamedev and (almost became a psych student) I think you have the best game design channel, far beyond GMTK's.

[@themissionslayer]

I am here for anything you put out! Expressing ourselves is hard enough as is, let alone trying to contain those expressions into a little box. I really enjoy hearing about how people feel about games. So with psych or without it, I’m here for it. Seeing you give yourself permission to step out of the box made me think of all the ways I am holding myself back in life. You definitely got me thinking about how to get out of some of the boxes I have put myself in. Keep up the great work!

[@Tam-Ezrac]

“The past is but a series of memories and experiences that cumulates into the present, into YOU.” While Psych of Play may be resting for a long time to come, it doesn’t mean we will give up on you, since, YOUR still here, along with you emotions, experiences, memories, anecdotes, everything good and bad that your wiling to share with us, and that’s what draws us to you, Daryl, that’s the Psych we like and that we’ll follow on this path.

[@Tam-Ezrac]

Tl;Dr: Daryl gets to talk about more stuff, POG!

[@Snipfragueur]

Eeeeh... Well I guess this is mainly a discussion about the concept of bad ending, because Danganronpa's ending for example is poorly executed.

[@silver1340]

Dude, don't compare yourself to other people so much (or as you said "similar / identical" channels). You're already unique because of your personality, not the way you narrate or talk, but in the way you think. Psychology, a field I respect, is just another tool that allows you to talk about topics you select from another angle, it doesn't define your channel or being. Even students pick their favorite teachers based on teacher's personality, not their job position.

[@BeardedKenyan]

I SERIOUSLY love this channel alot. Hands down my favorite no questions asked and will to this day be the only one i buy merch from. However i feel like you are limiting yourself a little by not doing psych of play anymore. I cannot imagine anyone minding you making other kinds of content but if you ever see something (a study or whatever) that actually would make a fun video without "shackling" you don't feel discouraged to make it since you "ended" psych of play. I guess the TL;DR is that feel free to do whatever you feel like since you are absolutely amazing and i will probably watch whatever you feel like uploading regardless.

[@asyncrevengance3322]

WOOOOOOOOOOO im excited t o see more! your style and specific angle of analysis is very valuable and im glad ur continuing it on!

[@quintusthegnome7429]

Loved the video. Brought me a similar level of closure/satisfaction to the end of a really good game. I trust what you do next will be better for you and the channel. And I'll be here for it.

[@johnnychopsocky]

As Bad Endings go, this one didn't hurt too much. Now Super Best Friends Play, *that* was a bad ending. "Matt and Pat are no longer friends." Yep, still stings. Good luck on whatever your next video is Daryl. Your options are now open. I'm looking forward to it!

[@razzor.z]

what I like the most of your channel, is yourwriting, your memes, and how you can actually create an atmosphere, like how you were talking about the car accident. I've been in one in the past, and it was very bad, but I also got over it with barely a scratch, for my luck I was alone. When you talked about it, I really felt what you said, and I appreciate the way you tell stories

[@sab3314]

Excited for everything to come!! Your videos are always insightful and entertaining, and I know they’ll be great regardless of what form they take! Thank you for everything, and best of luck!

[@skykidnadir]

Honestly, as long as I get to listen to you talking about games I'm happy! I love your videos and you always have something interesting to say about them. Keep up the good work!

[@ace131484]

This was a fantastically done video. Also, i'm excited about this new direction, cause i can listen to you talk about stuff for hours. i was a fan since i discovered your video on Gris, and how it eloquently put into words how i was feeling after playing it. It was exactly what i needed at the time. So i'm looking forward to this!

[@serafinw105r2f]

The way you blended your announcement with the topic of the video was so well scripted, I loved every bit of it. I'll be looking forward for future content you have planned for the channel.

[@Roler42]

Love your psychology element to your videos, so it makes me beyond happy to hear you will be branching out and expanding! Keep up the awesome work!

[@swype7046]

Just found your channel. You're a champ for citing everything in the description, wish more creators would do it. Truly appreciated. Best of luck with the move.

[@joaquinauzenne]

This series is a masterpiece and it's been incredible seeing it through. Thank you for all your hard work, excited to see where things go!

[@vince_thegod8095]

My new favourite channel on KZbin. Thank you so much for the work you've put in. Best regards.

[@Arriival]

I’ve always found the ability you have to convey thoughts - not just the psychology - was always the most appealing for these few years I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy your content. Excited to see where you’re bringing yourself and the audience in the future, you do you man!

[@mayuna_]

Holy shit. That transition at the end with that specific song in background got me little bit into tears. Holy fuck. Nice job. Looking forward to anything you want to bring, good luck.

[@raifaustino]

The way you scripted and edited this video is very inspiring. It shows how much you care. I've been here for a while now, and I'll stick around as long as you continue to put this same passion in the videos. You do you! We'll be supporting. Have a damn good one!

[@DanCreaMundos]

I'm really glad to see you evolve, as a person and as a content creator. We'll be looking forward for your new game+

[@Rice_Grainz_II]

I like this new chapter of your channel. You keep doing what you like doing and add psyche in the mix whenever you want; every upload don’t have to be about psyche.

[@giladhr3559]

I gotta say this video is a masterpiece- What an ending to this series! I always watched these videos mainly to hear your take on things and less for the research, so I don't mind the channel going in this new direction. Good luck!

[@emiliebecker1445]

i'm excited to see you explore your new horizons in your videos! another intriguing video and well done. you have a damn good one too.

[@magentagamingartgallery]

thank goodness you're staying, we love you and love your videos and I'm excited to see your new format :)

[@socaslimjim13]

Daryl, this is your best video. So excited to see where you go from here!

[@MrBgonzalez22]

I will miss these so much. You are hands down amazing at this. I will be here always no matter what you do on this channel. Thank you for everything you've done for us with these videos and looking forward for what is to come next!

[@RennietheRobit]

I think I come back to your content so regularly for the thoughtfulness, depth, and just good writing of your video essays on topics I enjoy. But I think that you could make a video on whatever you want and that would still be the case, so as an artist I'm happy to see you grow.

[@greggross2936]

Another great video! And I'm excited to see what comes after this! This may just be the parasocial bond talking, but it has truly been great to see you change and evolve and bring us with you on this journey. And it has been a pleasure to listen to you breakdown such interesting topics and concepts through the years. And I think you're absolutely right to make this move. Is psych incredibly interesting, especially as it relates to one of my favorite forms of media, absolutely. But it doesn't always have to be the lens we use to evaluate our experiences either and if it feels limiting to try to find a psych topic for what you just felt, by all means, just experience your feelings and give us that.

[@fronkus123]

My favorite types of videos are ones where you can tell the people making them are completely genuine and interested in what they are making. Good on you for having the confidence to make this change and I can’t wait to see what you make next. 👍