This year’s most poignant and powerful narratives were in video games

'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' is a celebration of the healing power of play. — Nintendo/TNS

We still too often talk about video games as escapes - little playthings that are big business but often considered not as serious as their media peers.

And yet in 2023 the most mature, poignant and thoughtful narratives I experienced were the interactive ones - whether they tackled major topics or were simply about the joy, vulnerability and curiosity that comes from entering a playful state.