Recorded back in 2024, we take a look at the Thelxie’s Fantastic Adventures campaign from Genshin Impact. It stands out as mental health representation by explicitly naming a fictitious mental illness: “loneliness syndrome”, with detailed descriptions of its causes, its symptoms, and its treatments.

Find out how the game asks you to help a boy with loneliness syndrome. What is the game’s attitude to mental illness in general?

We also discuss the idea of using fantasy (or escape) as therapy.

Please note we discuss significant plot developments within this storyline, and also touch on the topic of suicide, which may be unpleasant for some listeners.