Some of the biggest 'What did I just do?' gaming moments
The biggest 'What did I just do?' gaming moments evoke a sense of regret and self-questioning. We muse on our past decisions, questioning their implications, and whether we should have done things differently. These personal reflections, which often appeal to our sense of morality, are at the core of what makes games so compelling.
We’re not alone in this either. The fact that we all, independently, made the same choice without any influence from others is amusing in itself. We share our stories online, and reflect on how we made these choices in games without a second thought.
The biggest moments elicit a mixture of emotions, from regret, to amusement, and sometimes even guilt. Here are some of the most memorable moments that made us question our sanity.
The baby in the oven
The Witcher 3’s Bloody Baron quest is controversial, and not just because of the gore. We’re asked to make a heart-breaking choice, one that evokes a sense of guilt. No matter which choice we make, we feel bad. If you’ve played the game, you’ll know that the baby in question is a Wraith – a monster that feeds on the souls of humans. Throwing it in an oven to keep it from feeding on the souls of children is, in fact, a merciful act. But it’s still a baby.
We’re all complicit in the act. Players share their stories of throwing the “baby” in the oven without hesitation, and we all laugh at the absurdity of it. Even though we know the decision itself is morally wrong, it’s the context of the game and our lack of understanding as to what to do in that moment that makes us act impulsively.
The crying baby penguin
For some, the crying of the baby penguin in Mario 64 became too annoying, and led to its demise. We all make decisions in games that we regret later. In my case, it was a baby penguin. I didn’t see the point of carrying it around in my inventory, so I chucked it off a cliff. I didn’t know it would cry, and annoy me even more. It’s a silly thing to regret, but it prevented me from going back to the game.
Those who didn’t experience this tell me it’s because they didn’t develop a bond with the penguin. Parents who played the game with their children say this was the first time their child showed signs of empathy.
The “No Russian” mission
The “No Russian” mission in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is another moment that prompts reflection. Players realise later that they didn’t have to shoot any civilians, but they did so without hesitation.
Some players mention the option of running through the level without killing anyone to achieve the same outcome. Sure, you may be punished for your lack of action by receiving a lower score, but did you really need to kill anyone? The game’s context and lack of understanding may contribute to players making impulsive decisions.
The Fallout 3 bomb choice
In Fallout 3, you’re invited to detonate the Megaton bomb in order to wipe out the super mutants that have taken over the town. You’re given the option of telling Three-Dog, the town’s DJ, to evacuate the townspeople. If you choose to do nothing, the residents will hear the countdown and attempt to escape. However, if you choose to detonate the bomb, the residents will perish.
The small amount of money you earn from the act becomes inconsequential in the game’s progression. What’s more, Megaton is a friendly, peaceful place. Its residents are who you want to save. However, the sense of loss you may experience at their demise is what makes the decision to blow up Megaton regrettable for some.
Accidental murder
In Subnautica, a survival game like Ark, you play as an astronaut stranded on an alien planet. You’re tasked with surviving the harsh environs and building a base. I spent hours exploring the ocean, collecting resources, and befriending aliens. I even adopted a cuddlefish, a friendly creature that follows you around, boosting your happiness.
One day, I was cruising around in my submarine when I collided into it by accident. My cuddlefish died, and I was heartbroken. I managed to get over my grief and continue playing, but I couldn’t return to the area where I lost my pet. If a gamer invests so much time and effort into a virtual pet, you can imagine how traumatic this experience could be for them.
This War of Mine
This War of Mine simulates the difficult decisions and moral dilemmas faced during times of war. The game’s representation of the siege of Sarajevo raises awareness of the atrocities committed during the Yugoslav Wars.
The emotional impact of the game and its consequences on characters’ mental states resonate with players. Some say they felt guilty for leaving a wounded soldier behind, as they didn’t have enough room in the van to take him. Others say they were angry at the survivors for not being grateful enough for the supplies they received. Some of the choices in the game are so difficult, they cause arguments within the group.
Frostpunk
Not unlike This War of Mine, Frostpunk offers a similarly gut-wrenching experience. The game places you in the role of a governor who must manage the inhabitants of a city in a frozen, post-apocalyptic land. In addition to the harsh environment, you must also deal with the problems that arise from your interactions with the population.
Inviting a player into your clan
In Ark: Survival Evolved, players can form clans, engage in friendly competitions, and join forces to tame the planet’s beasts. When I invited a player into my clan, they destroyed my base, and my friendships.
After our raid, we went our separate ways.
