For those with extra concern for their mental health, our recommendation of the safest approach is to avoid playing Doki Doki Literature Club. Furthermore, the above list is not 100% exhaustive. Team Salvato has very responsibly detailed here that self-harm, depression, suicide, and abuse are all featured in the game, and that "these themes are not merely suggested, but are often portrayed as realistically as possible, and thus may disturb you as if they were real. In fact, the disclaimer at the game's opening goes as far as to say that this game may not be safe for those with anxiety or depression to play, and directs those concerned to visit the game's warning page, which can be found here. On the other hand though, we felt it kind of spoiled the twists that were to come, as you were always expecting something to become disturbing. On the one hand, seeing such an extreme warning at the start of such a seemingly innocent game as this may well get people curious to see what's going on to see what's different about this compared to others.
Of course it needs to be there just like a PEGI/ESRB rating is, to warn of content that could be inappropriate, but we're torn as to whether this is to the benefit or the detriment of the experience. "This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed." From that point onwards every time you open the game you're warned:
On opening the game you're greeted with a disclaimer that tells you that this pink, fluffy dating simulator contains deeply disturbing content, and even goes as far as to make you confirm an agreement consenting to this before entering in and hearing the chirpy fairytale music within.
This sickeningly sweet exterior was intended to deceive and throw people off of the scent, even down to the name (Doki Doki being a Japanese phrase referring to the sound of a heart beating), and it's not until you did deeper that you find out the real appeal of DDLC.
which makes it a very hard sell indeed.Ī project from lead designer Dan Salvato's studio Team Salvato, the game was released on PC in September of last year, and at first glance you'd be forgiven for thinking that this was just another dating simulator with cute anime girls that's all about flirting your way into their hearts, and that was kind of the point. It's one of those games that you really need to sell to someone without saying anything about why you're selling it to them. What exactly was it though that made this four-hour long visual novel such a hit? We're not talking only with players either, but the Internet in general, with YouTubers like Pewdiepie, Jacksepticeye, and more showering praise on the game and showing their responses for the world to see online.įirst of all, if you're jumping into this article and thinking "what is that game about? I'll look it up?", don't bother, because you're either going to find material that gives away the entirety of the plot, or you'll find official marketing material that doesn't reflect the truth of what's in the game.
Last year we were greeted by a game that was for all intents and purposes cute and cuddly, but then became one of the horror smashes of the year, gathering accolades aplenty for its disturbed story, subversion of expectations, and narrative methods. Doki Doki Literature Club was a game that kind of snuck up on the world.