The Psychology of Zelda – Edited by Anthony M. Bean
BenBella Books | Paperback | Feb. 19, 2019
With an annual income twice as large as the film industry’s, many have sought to understand why video games are so enticing. The answer, The Psychology of Zelda argues, lies within the field of psychology. This collection of academic essays blends modern and classic psychology and applies them to the Legend of Zelda series—one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time—to explain how and why video games influence our confidence, identities, and personal growth.
In doing so, the collection reveals why players come back to Link and Zelda, and their quest to save Hyrule, again and again. The common consensus across each essay is that the way in which the Legend of Zelda’s storyline is crafted, in combination with its archetypal character arcs, allows players to subconsciously embody Link’s journey (and Zelda’s journey) from an average orphan to the legendary hero of Hyrule. The connection players have with these characters and their struggles, allows them to take the emotional and social issues (e.g., grief, benevolent sexism, good vs. evil, etc.) they have experienced in this virtual world and use them to navigate the real world.
Though none of the essays acknowledge any significant counterclaims, and many excessively cite Carl Jung, each one does make a clear and convincing argument that offers insight into the allure of these games. Whether the reader is interested in the psychological impact video games have on their players, or they are simply fans of the Legend of Zelda franchise, The Psychology of Zelda is an accessible read. Bean and his colleagues have an undeniable passion for the material and their joy leaps off the page, seeping into their readers and making them want to replay their favorite Legend of Zelda game or swing by a GameStop and pick one up for the very first time.
