Marie Kondo is famous for one question when cleaning out one’s items: Does this spark joy in my life?
Video games may not be the first thing that sparks joy for most people, but they are beloved for those that play them, either to completion to until they are no longer viable. It was a certain cutscene or dialogue that touched our minds and hearts, a character that was personally relatable, or a story which became ingrained in memory. It was also the people encountered online that encouraged, cheered, and lifted you up in your low moment. These are what sparked the joy in gaming.
This week, we’re celebrating National Inspiring Joy Day by talking about some stories of joy and playing some tracks for certain video games: a Elder Tauran residing in Thunder Bluff, a CS2 gamer who was lifted after being wrongfully kicked out of a match, and a shire to a brother who passed away. There’s also covers to follow each of these tracks.
As you listen to these tracks, think about the games you’ve and sparked joy…
National Inspiring Joy Day (National Today, National Day Archives)
“Touching Stories Behind the Excitement in Gaming World”
Bear – In Memory of Taylor (Nexus Mod)
“The internet redeems itself by rallying around bullied deaf and blind ‘Counter-Strike’ player”
“The Remarkable Life of Iblin” is an Ode to Connection and Gaming
Track Listing
Intro: “Joy To the World” – composed by Hoyt Axton, performed by Three Dog Night
“The Tauren” – [World of Warcraft] – composed by David Arkenstone
“World of Warcraft – Mulgore Planins (Tauren Theme)” – covered by Dryante
“Main Theme” – [Counter-strike 2] – composed by Mike Morasky
“COUNTER-STRIKE2 – MAIN THEME (GUITAR COVER)” – covered by iBodom
“Far Horizons” – [The Elder Scrolls V: Skryim] – composed by Jeremy Soule
“Far Horizons (on Saxphone) ft. Lucas King” – covered by That Saxy Nerd
Outro: “Kyou mo Uraraka Que Sera Sera!” – [Umamusume: Pretty Derby] – composed by Yugo Sasakura, lyrics by Erica Masaki, performed by Yukina Shuto (CV for Haru Urara)
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