Animal Companions in Games
Losing animal companions in games like *Minecraft* or *Stray* can trigger a strong emotional response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPHJ5-uhxDg. What specific moments are particularly poignant?
The death of Agro in *Shadow of the Colossus* is a particularly heart-wrenching moment, as the player's loyal steed sacrifices herself to save Wander. This event is especially impactful due to the strong bond players develop with Agro throughout their journey. In *Red Dead Redemption 2*, the death of Arthur Morgan's horse is often cited as a deeply emotional experience. Players form a connection with their horse through bonding and caring for it, making its loss all the more devastating. The connection between a trainer and their Pokémon in the *Pokémon* series can also be profound. Releasing a Pokémon after a long journey, while not a death, can still be a bittersweet moment for players.
