Torment - Games
In gaming, 'torment' transcends mere difficulty, embodying a design philosophy that challenges players through moral ambiguity, psychological depth, and narrative consequence. It manifests in choices with no clear right answer, forcing introspection on themes like sacrifice, identity, and existential dread. Mechanically, it can involve punishing systems that demand mastery or survival against overwhelming odds, often reflecting the protagonist's internal struggle. This concept elevates gameplay beyond entertainment, creating immersive experiences where suffering becomes a catalyst for growth, reflection, or tragic downfall, resonating through genres from RPGs to survival horrors.