Gentle Video Games for Chronic Illness Soothing

A woman is dressed up outside in the garden like a goose all in white with a fake orange beak. She stands by a dark green shed with all the elements from the game including a red watering can, radio, tea flask, lunchbox, banana, hat, rake, keys and sign post

The reality of living with a chronic condition like Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is that you learn that pacing isn’t optional, it is SURVIVAL. 

For those of us with fragile joints, chronic pain, and unpredictable energy levels, even small bursts of activity can come at a cost.

And while pacing often gets framed as something restrictive, I want to propose an alternative: pacing can be playful. 

I was reminded of how video games are such a great support to those with chronic conditions when a wonderful fellow Spoonie on my Instagram asked about what games people recommended as they were in a flare up.

This is where video games come into play. Gentle video games offer a safe, engaging space where you can feel part of something and enjoy yourself without over taxing your body. 

Overhead shot of a blue handheld video game called Submarine

Ever since I was little I was captivated by video games and this is an image of my first hand held video game bought when I was about 4 or 5 in Indonesia. Yep, about 40 years old this thing is!

My most favourite game of all time is Carmen Sandiego and I have cosplayed her as well. A sublime game that def is part of my whole personality!

Why Games can work so well for Chronic Conditions

I have spoken to many people with chronic conditions over the years and video games are a firm fave as it provide us all with a lot of relief. Especially after operations or in times of flare ups, video games offer an opportunity to feel something once again and take part and connect. 

For people with hEDS or similar conditions, gentle video games provide:

- Choice without pressure

- Engagement without urgency

- Stimulation without overwhelm

You can:

- Play for five minutes or fifty

- Stop mid-task without consequences

- Lie down, prop yourself with pillows, or even play one-handed if needed

- Engage your brain without straining your body

It’s pacing in action and disguised as fun.

Check out some of my faves!

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

Alba is about exploring a Mediterranean island, helping animals and doing small acts of environmental care. Published back in 2020 by Ustwo games.

Why it works for hEDS:

- No combat or fast reactions required

- No time limits or penalties for stopping

- Encourages slow wandering and curiosity-led progress

On days when fatigue is high but your mind wants to do something meaningful, Alba provides a gentle, fulfilling escape.

I am fully in love with Alba because I am Alba, I grew up visiting Chile and nature and doing similar things so yes to Alba and all of its story telling. It healed something in me, I didn’t even realise needed to be healed.

A shot of game play from Alba, text says "very proud of this shot managed to get a little lick form the little lynx" in pale blue showing off a family of lynx in a camera phone set up
A woman is dressed up outside in the garden like a goose all in white with a fake orange beak. She stands by a dark green shed with all the elements from the game including a red watering can, radio, tea flask, lunchbox, banana, hat, rake, keys and sign post

Untitled Goose Game

I saw this game as a gaming conference prior to its release and the queues were LONG to have a go on it. Developed by House House and published by Panic, in this game you play as a cheeky goose with certain actions to complete.

I loved this game so much that I even dressed up and cosplayed as a naughty goose annoying the gardener back in 2020. Check out the items I managed to collect!

I found the goose so funny and quite the little minx that it really made me laugh at its antics. Laughing is the best medicine as so to be chased around the garden and annoy someone was a really fun way for me to escape into a gentle drama with slight jeopardy!

And I got to play a bit at being a very naughty goose! And when you are stuck on the sofa without much energy, I really revelled in my inner goose-ness!

Other games that make the list include Monument Valley, Gris and Journey for their intellectual and graphic stimulation. The colours, game play and gentleness as well as narrative really helped me when I felt low and needed an outlet and to feel something.

One of the greatest gifts of gentle gaming is the permission to rest without feeling guilty. You’re still doing something engaging, enjoyable, and mentally stimulating. That matters when your body is already working overtime.

Pacing doesn’t have to mean deprivation. It can mean choosing experiences that meet you where you are. Gentle video games won’t cure chronic illness, but they can reduce stress, support cognitive engagement, offer joy in accessible ways, and make rest feel lighter.

For someone with hEDS, they are more than games, they are a small tool of empowerment on tough days.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to save some digital wildlife while horizontal.

Any one got any other gentle game suggestions?

Keep gentle game playing

xx

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