Growing up in the picturesque countryside of Poland, my early years were shaped by the rhythms of nature. I spent a lot of time on my family's farms in Czarny Dunajec, Zakopane, Nowy Targ, and Kościelisko—small villages nestled in the breathtaking Polish Tatra mountains. The seasons dictated our lives; the smell of fresh hay in the summer, the snow-capped mountains in winter, and the sounds of animals around me shaped the way I connect with the world today. For the past 13 years, I’ve called the UK home, but no matter where I am, the memories of those rural days stay with me. Interestingly, it's not just nature that has influenced my life, but also something unexpected: video games.
The Farm Life Foundation: Growing up on a farm means understanding the land, the animals, and the seasons in a way that few city dwellers can. I remember waking up to the sound of roosters crowing, spending hours in the fields, and learning the value of hard work and patience. These formative years instilled in me a deep love for nature and animals.
I vividly recall walking through lush fields in Zakopane, the crisp mountain air filling my lungs, and listening to the cows grazing nearby. We had goats, chickens, and sheep. Caring for them taught me responsibility, empathy, and the simplicity of life. Every season had its own beauty. Spring meant new life with baby animals, while autumn was a time of harvest and preparation for the harsh winters. Even the cold, snow-covered days in the Tatra mountains had a special charm as I observed how nature adapted.
Transitioning to the Virtual World: When I moved to the UK in 2012, I found myself craving the connection to nature I had once known. While I didn’t have the same access to fields and farms, I discovered an unexpected way to fill that gap: video games. As I dove into games like Fallout, Red Dead Redemption, and Stardew Valley, I began to realize how deeply these games echoed the experiences I’d had growing up on the farm.
In Fallout, exploring the post-apocalyptic wasteland became a form of virtual escape, but it also reminded me of my deep connection to nature. Though the world in Fallout was devastated, the remnants of nature—desert plants, lush forests—were still present. It was a subtle reminder of how nature can persevere, even in the face of hardship. The Commonwealth or the Wasteland felt strangely familiar in a way that made me appreciate the natural world, even through a digital lens.
The Charm of Stardew Valley: Of all the games I’ve played, Stardew Valley stands out as the one that most closely connects me to my roots. Managing a farm in this peaceful little town brings back memories of running through fields, harvesting crops, and caring for animals. The beauty of Stardew is in its simplicity. It reminds me that, despite the complexities of life, there’s a sense of satisfaction in nurturing something from the ground up. Whether it’s planting crops, raising animals, or upgrading your farm, every task feels like a reflection of my childhood experiences on my family’s farm.
Red Dead Redemption: The Beauty of the Wild West: Red Dead Redemption offers another form of escapism that speaks to my love for nature and adventure. In this game, the wilderness isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right. Whether riding through the dusty plains or navigating the snowy mountain tops, the landscapes in Red Dead remind me of my days in the Polish mountains. The vast expanses of nature—whether it’s a blazing sunset over the plains or the silent, snowy forests—bring me back to the rugged beauty of Kościelisko and Zakopane. It’s a world where nature and humans are inextricably linked, much like my early life on the farm.
Living in the UK: Bridging the Gap Between Worlds: Though I’ve spent the last 13 years in the UK, the connection to nature I experienced growing up is still very much a part of me. The rolling green hills of the UK, the coastal walks, and the countryside escapes remind me of the landscapes I grew up with. Even here, I continue to look for moments where nature and gaming intersect. Whether I’m taking a stroll in the countryside or playing a game that lets me explore the world, there’s an undeniable connection between the two. Both provide me with a sense of peace, adventure, and nostalgia.
From the quiet, pastoral life of the Polish mountains to the immersive virtual worlds I explore in my favorite games, my love for nature and animals has shaped the way I engage with the world. Fallout, Red Dead Redemption, and Stardew Valley aren’t just games—they’re extensions of my past, reflections of a life once lived, and bridges to new adventures. Whether I’m exploring a virtual wasteland, farming a digital plot, or hiking in the real world, I find solace in nature, and in that, I am constantly reminded of the simple joys I grew up with.
What about you? How has nature or your upbringing shaped your love for games? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!
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