The Last of Us Isn’t the Only Way—Games Can Be Fun Too

Let’s be honest: The Last of Us is a masterpiece. Its storytelling, character development, and emotional depth are top-tier, and it’s rightfully held up as one of the greatest video games of all time. But somewhere along the line, a strange idea started creeping into gaming circles—that if a game isn’t emotionally heavy or doesn’t tackle deep themes like grief, trauma, or morality, it’s somehow less meaningful. Let’s pump the brakes a bit.

Video games are a unique art form, sure, but they’re also meant to be fun. Not every game has to leave you sobbing into your controller or reflecting on the human condition. Sometimes, you just want to swing a sword, collect some coins, or throw bananas at your friends in a go-kart. And that’s totally okay.

The Rise of the “Standing Game”

Over the past decade, there’s been a clear rise in what some call “prestige games”—the kind with cinematic cutscenes, layered characters, and narratives that feel more like Oscar-winning films than classic games. Titles like God of War (2018), Red Dead Redemption 2, and Death Stranding fit this mold. These games are incredible in their own right, and they’ve helped push the medium forward.

But here’s the catch: not every game needs to follow that path. Games like Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, Among Us, or Fall Guys prove that there’s still plenty of room for games that are colorful, quirky, and just plain fun. They may not make you cry, but they’ll definitely make you smile—and sometimes that’s even more valuable.

There’s this idea floating around that unless a game is “serious,” it’s somehow lesser. But that’s like saying comedies aren’t real movies because they’re not Schindler’s List. It’s a weird kind of snobbery that ignores the wide spectrum of what gaming can be. Fun is not a weakness. It’s the core reason most of us started playing games in the first place.

Think back to the games that got you hooked as a kid. Maybe it was Crash Bandicoot, Pokémon, or Sonic the Hedgehog. These weren’t “mature” by any stretch, but they were memorable, creative, and joyful. Those experiences are just as valid as anything The Last of Us can offer.

Diversity is the Spice of Gaming

What makes gaming special is its variety. There’s something out there for everyone—whether you want to escape into a post-apocalyptic world or build a tiny town of talking animals. Both can be meaningful in their own way.

A game like Stardew Valley can be as emotionally fulfilling as The Last of Us, just in a different tone and tempo. And let’s not forget games like Minecraft or Fortnite—they might not win awards for deep storytelling, but they’ve connected millions of players around the world and inspired creativity on a massive scale.

Let Developers Breathe

The pressure to create “the next The Last of Us” can also put unnecessary weight on game developers. Not every team wants—or needs—to spend years crafting a serious epic. Sometimes, the goal is just to create something weird, playful, or experimental. And when we let developers explore different tones and styles, we get a much richer gaming landscape.

Final Thoughts

The Last of Us is brilliant. But so is Super Mario Odyssey, Stardew Valley, and Among Us. The gaming world is big enough for all kinds of experiences—serious, silly, and everything in between.

So next time someone dismisses a game because it’s “not deep,” just remember: not everything has to be. Games are meant to entertain, and there’s no one right way to do that. For game-gaming gear recommendations, check out Total Apex Gaming!