Play Nice, Stay Kind

A game that promotes compassion is sweeping the internet

- Dennis Cavernelis

Finding kindness online can be about as tricky as shopping for toilet paper during the lockdown. It’s an emotion rarely associated with the internet which, thanks to social media, has become a bit like the world’s biggest library, brimming with information both useful and useless – and seemingly packed with the world’s worst people.

But a new online game hopes to change the way people interact in cyberspace with, simply, kind words. And heaven knows we could all use a kind word or two in these dark and difficult times.

Kind Words isn’t a conventional online game, although it involves tens of thousands of players. Basically, it’s about writing a short letter. Actually, that’s all it is.

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

Kind Words is currently available only for computers and is downloadable from the Steam online videogame store (store. steampowered.com) for around R33.

Once it’s loaded, you’ll be represented by a character in a comfortable bedroom, with relaxing background music.

There are two modes. The first lets you read requests from other players, usually a short letter about something that’s worrying them, and write a reply. You might get a sticker sent back in response, but that’s the only communication between you. Players remain anonymous and are identified only by an initial.

The second mode lets you write a letter asking for help with something that’s bothering you, and someone will reply.

There’s also an option to throw a paper airplane to share good thoughts with the community, or to thank someone for helping you. And that’s all there is to it.

There are no quests, no objectives, no puzzles and no levels.

A SURPRISE HIT