In this era of rapid change, people’s spiritual world seems to have become empty and broken. Young people chase a character called Xiakong in the world of virtual games, collecting low-frequency, medium-frequency and even full-frequency tide erosion sail cores day after day, looking for the rare materials called burning phosphorus bones and golden fleece. It seems to be a virtual struggle in the game world, but it actually reflects their spiritual dilemma and pursuit of meaning.
The material list of Xiakong is like a complicated map, guiding players into a virtual world full of challenges and trials. From defeating the Sighing Ancient Dragon, to climbing the Lina Xi Tower, to participating in the limited event Wheel of Fate Broken Chapter, a series of tasks require players to spend a lot of time and energy. This difficult climb reminds me of the struggles of many young people in real life. They struggle in the tide of society, but often feel confused and helpless.
Today’s society has become so fast-paced that the relationship between people seems to have become alienated. Traditional family affection, friendship and even love have become fragile due to the pressure of work and life. People are eager to find their own sense of belonging and accomplishment, and the game world has become their temporary haven to escape from reality. By collecting materials of Xiakong and upgrading and breaking through, it seems that you can get the sense of control and satisfaction that is difficult to achieve in reality.
However, the satisfaction of the virtual world is short-lived. In order to quickly accumulate materials, players have to recharge frequently, take advantage of various promotions, and invest real money. The circulation of this virtual capital reflects the spread of consumerism in modern society and also puts people into another invisible shackle. The dual consumption of money and time wears away people’s will and enthusiasm, as if pushing them into an endless abyss.
The story behind these numbers is not only the design of the game mechanism, but also a microcosm of social structure and cultural mentality. Modern people’s desire for success and pursuit of recognition force them to keep working hard and fighting in the virtual world. However, when the game ends and the screen is turned off, reality is still cruel and hardship still exists. People’s inner world is still the lonely and helpless I, looking for a ray of light in the endless night.
The material requirements of Xiakong remind us that people’s desire for growth and breakthrough is so strong and universal. Whether in the game or in reality, breaking through obstacles and pursuing a higher self is everyone’s inner need. There is nothing wrong with this demand itself. The problem lies in whether the mechanism of real society provides enough support and space for everyone to grow freely, rather than being forced to find comfort in the virtual world.
In this process, we cannot ignore the responsibility of game designers. They have created such a colorful world, and at the same time they also bear the responsibility of guiding players to grow healthily. Designing reasonable task difficulty, appropriate reward mechanism, and reducing the pressure of over-reliance on recharge are the only way for the development of game culture. Otherwise, the lights of these virtual worlds will gradually become confusing phantoms, and the more they shine, the darker it will be.
However, in the final analysis, society should also give more attention and care to young people. Education, employment, social security, and even the enrichment of cultural life should all support their spiritual growth. Let them have real opportunities to realize their self-worth, rather than just seeking a moment of relief in the virtual world.
The growth path of Xiakong reflects the dilemma and hope of our time. It is not just a character in a game, but more like a young man struggling in reality and looking for light. Understanding their choices and caring about their lives may be what we really need to do.
In the torrent of the times, I hope everyone can find their own summer sky, the blue sky where they can fly freely.