GamesKind Words 2 had me writing comforting words to strangers, but I realized I was writing what I needed to say to myselfWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesKind Words 2 had me writing comforting words to strangers, but I realized I was writing what I needed to say to myselfWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Popcannibal)
In theSteam Next Festdemo forKind Words 2, I’m writing an inspiring message to strangers on a paper airplane. The idea is to put down some words of encouragement that you can send flying through the sky in the little cityscape for all to see. I take my time with it and try to type a few lines I think someone might need to see. “You are loved. You are appreciated. Be kind to yourself.” It feels so cathartic to send it out into the in-game world, which is a small street diorama with a few buildings. I get the same feeling when I respond to someone in a conversation who’s having a bad day, and then it dawns on me: I’m writing these words to myself as much as I am to my fellow anonymous players. In a way, everything I type out is what I actually needed to say to myself.
A lot of the time, it feels like my brain is hardwired to put me down. I’m often my own worst enemy, and the loud, ugly voice inside of myself that has a habit of saying nasty things about me can be hard to fight. But as I actively try to be compassionate and encouraging to others, it’s an unexpected reminder I sorely needed. If I can say all of these nice things to complete strangers, why can’t I say them to myself more often? Why can’t I believe in my own words?
With this in mind, I wrote another paper airplane with the same sentiment: “Be kind to yourself”. Then I sent it flying off into the sky, as if the act of doing so would hopefully instill that message within myself.
Sharing encouragement
(Image credit: Popcannibal)
Deduc(k)tions(Image credit: Happy Broccoli Games)This Steam Next Fest demo with shades of LA Noire and Tangle Tower saw me play as a gumshoe divorcee duck with a serious bread problem
Deduc(k)tions
(Image credit: Happy Broccoli Games)This Steam Next Fest demo with shades of LA Noire and Tangle Tower saw me play as a gumshoe divorcee duck with a serious bread problem
(Image credit: Happy Broccoli Games)
This Steam Next Fest demo with shades of LA Noire and Tangle Tower saw me play as a gumshoe divorcee duck with a serious bread problem
(Image credit: Popcannibal)
Big in 2024(Image credit: Popcannibal)Kind Words 2 is a different kind of social media, it’s a social space where you can share your troubles, with no followers or likes
Big in 2024
(Image credit: Popcannibal)Kind Words 2 is a different kind of social media, it’s a social space where you can share your troubles, with no followers or likes
(Image credit: Popcannibal)
Kind Words 2 is a different kind of social media, it’s a social space where you can share your troubles, with no followers or likes
Words have weight, and as I watch these messages appear across the sky, I can already imagine how they could brighten up someone’s day, or even help someone who needs to see a bit of encouragement. It also feels good to know I’ve contributed, too, and the sense of catharsis and cozy vibes I experience during my time with the demo makes me think it’s the kind of game I’ll want to revisit often. Of course, as with any social experience, there’s always the concern that some might misuse it and go against the intended spirit Kind Words 2 is aiming for, but every time you see a message or reply, there’s the option to report it. And happily from my short experience, I only saw kind, helpful, and lighthearted messages.
Even something as simple as “have an amazing day” can make a small difference to someone, and the more I think about Kind Words 2 and what it’s trying to do, the more excited I am to see what else it offers when it’s released in full. There’s even a little train featured in the demo that teases what’s to come, with it said to take you to different places to visit mountains, forests, and cozy hangouts for unique activities.
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Sometimes you just need to see some kind words, or in my case, write them not just to others, but to myself, too. Kind Words 2 is already doing some interesting things, with creative ways to connect anonymously, and spend a bit of time spreading some encouragement and goodwill. I’m looking forward to trying out what else it has to offer in the future.
If you want to check it out for yourself, the Kind Words 2Steam Next Festdemo is available until February 12.
See what indie gems we have to look forward to this year with our roundup ofupcoming indie games.
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
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1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
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2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
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Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
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1
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
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Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
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Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”