The video game expert who defends 'slow gaming' in hectic times: "Slowness and reflection are human needs and they are taking them away from us"

In an era defined by constant acceleration and digital overload, Dr. Víctor Navarro Remesal, a professor at the Tecnocampus of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra and president of DIGRA Spain, is championing a movement known as slow gaming. His recent book, Zen & Slow Games, published by MIT Press, argues that these reflective, unhurried video games offer a necessary counterbalance to modern life's relentless pace. The work, available for free download through MIT’s website, explores how such games encourage patience, contemplation, and a deeper engagement with play. Navarro, born in Guadalajara in 1983, has spent over a decade studying the potential of video games to provide respite from the “constant and exhausting acceleration” of contemporary existence. His journey began in childhood, when he played on early consoles like the Spectrum ZX and a pirated Nintendo, immersing himself in classics like Castlevania. Unlike many of his peers, whose parents discouraged such pursuits, Navarro found support from his family, who encouraged him to follow his passion. This early backing helped shape his academic path and deepened his commitment to exploring the cultural significance of video games. The concept of slow gaming emerged around 2015, when Navarro noticed a growing trend in games featuring a “Zen mode”, a relaxed, low-pressure alternative to traditional gameplay. These modes removed time constraints and scoring pressures, offering players a more meditative experience. From there, a broader movement took shape, with developers creating games explicitly labeled as slow games. These titles often emphasize exploration, storytelling, and aesthetic immersion over competition or achievement. Examples include games where players care for a sleeping king over 400 days or manipulate petals in a serene, post-apocalyptic landscape. Navarro’s research reveals that slow gaming is not a new phenomenon but one rooted in the history of video games themselves. He traces its origins back to the 1970s, identifying stylistic, mechanical, and aesthetic elements that have persisted through decades. These games challenge conventional notions of speed and efficiency, instead embracing slowness as a deliberate design choice. They invite players to engage with virtual worlds at their own pace, fostering reflection rather than urgency. According to Navarro, slow gaming addresses a fundamental human need, time to think, feel, and simply be present. In contrast to the pervasive fear of missing out (FOMO) that dominates modern culture, these games encourage players to disconnect from the frenzy and reconnect with meaningful experiences. “They remind us that leisure isn’t just about productivity,” he explains. “It’s about finding joy in the process, not just the outcome.” The rise of slow gaming coincides with increasing awareness of mental health challenges linked to digital overstimulation. As players seek alternatives to fast-paced, high-stress environments, games that prioritize calmness and introspection are gaining traction. Navarro emphasizes that this shift reflects a broader cultural desire for balance, particularly among adults who struggle to find time for personal interests amid professional and familial responsibilities. Despite its growing popularity, slow gaming faces skepticism from critics who argue that it lacks the excitement and replayability of mainstream titles. However, Navarro contends that the value of these games lies not in their entertainment quotient but in their ability to foster mindfulness and emotional depth. He sees them as part of a larger movement toward intentional living, one that values presence over performance. As the video game industry continues to evolve, slow gaming offers a compelling vision of what play can be, a space for reflection, creativity, and connection. With Zen & Slow Games now accessible globally, Navarro hopes to inspire both players and developers to embrace slower, more thoughtful approaches to digital interaction. His work underscores the idea that in a world that never seems to stop moving, sometimes the greatest reward comes from standing still.