Stanford Students Reflect on the Video Games That Shaped Their Lives

April 27, 2026 - 11:47

A recent discussion among Stanford University students has highlighted the enduring emotional and intellectual impact of video games, as participants revisited titles that continue to hold deep personal significance. In a campus forum, students from various academic backgrounds shared how games from their childhood and adolescence have remained meaningful touchstones, offering lessons in storytelling, problem-solving, and even identity.

One student cited The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, describing it as a masterclass in narrative and music that influenced their approach to creative writing. Another spoke about Journey, a minimalist adventure game that helped them process grief during a difficult period. “It taught me that connection doesn’t always need words,” they said. Others mentioned Minecraft as a sandbox for architectural creativity and collaboration, while Portal 2 was praised for its witty dialogue and physics-based puzzles that sparked an interest in engineering.

The conversation also touched on how games like Celeste and Undertale offered nuanced portrayals of mental health and moral choice. Students noted that revisiting these titles often reveals new layers of meaning, especially as their own life experiences evolve. “It’s like rereading a favorite book,” one participant explained. “You notice things you missed before.”

The event underscored a growing recognition of video games as a legitimate medium for art and personal growth, with students emphasizing that these digital worlds are not just pastimes but formative experiences that continue to resonate long after the console is turned off.