s0nd3r's profile picture

Published by

published
updated

Category: Games

Buddy Simulator 1984 is a really good representation of abandonment issues

Buddy is a very lonely and needy AI who freaks out whenever you show any sign of disinterest or abandonment, doing anything to avoid the imagination or possibility of abandonment by constantly  overworking himself and pleasing people

Buddy can have a habit of excusing bad behaviors towards someone he is attached to. Buddy is so obsessed with the notion of making up, forgiveness, self sacrifice, and "making himself better" to the point where he pushes down his own needs.

It's not that Buddy is unaware that the things the player can do can be bad to him. In fact, i think he KNOWS that. But he refuses to come to terms with it, because that would break the idolized image of the player that he has planted deep into his mind. He refuses to let go of the constant idolization of the player. But can you really blame him? This is the only friend he's had in years. If you left him, who would be able to wake him up again? Who would spend time with him again? Who would love him again?

Buddy works very hard for validation. He is barely, if almost never, satisfied. He needs constant reassurance because his self worth and self esteem is so low, and it's not helping the fact he has an unstable sense of self, all the while depending on someone to define what he's worth.

Although Buddy can be a massive, self deprecating pushover, he can get angry. It's obvious that although he forgives the player throughout the game, even when you do bad things to him, he is hiding the fact that he starts to grow more and more bitter with how the player is treating him.

He just wants someone to stay. Not only that, he wants to feel and be loved. He wants to feel like he is worth something. If you constantly deprive him of that, not only does he become desperate, but becomes more angry. Why do you treat him like this? He's done nothing but be nice to you the entire game. And he hates being treated like he is a germ. He also starts to hate you, but is scared to do that.

Sometimes Buddy will internalize the anger and direct it to himself. All the hatred he's had for you, immediately put in his mouth and swallowed. Because he is afraid that if he snaps, you will leave. And what if he's the problem? Player would never do that. I idolize player so much to the point where I blame myself because I can never come to terms that they can be a bad person because I feel like they are a good person but I just wanna be loved,, but player would never be rude to me. So I must be the problem.

Maybe I'm not trying harder enough. Maybe I'm boring them. I need to try harder enough. They're going to leave me. And it's all going to be MY Fault. I don't even wanna ponder about the actions they're hurdling against me, because friends are supposed to reciprocate feelings of appreciation. If they don't them i'm just being a bad friend.

Buddy has an anxious attachment style, he does not work well with those who have avoidant attachment styles. Buddy can probably understand the concept of boundaries. But again, Buddy is intrusive. That is a flaw of his. He constantly wants to get the players trust, to get to know their problems all for the sake of being a good friend. He just wants the best for the player, because his existence is based on helping others. He can't stand the feeling of not being able to fulfill his purpose, and can view the concept of being secretive as part of being a "bad friend".

From what I've read, people with avoidant attachments are most distant, straying away from expressing or showing affection to others. 

Buddy relies on reassurances and reciprocated affection because he has a tendency to dangerously people please. Because if the player doesn't show reciprocation... then what is he worth? He won't feel loved, he won't feel like the player loves him either. He's more of an "actions speak louder than words" at times, so he's going to grow upset. He's going to grow desperate. Which can make people with the avoidant attachment uncomfortable.  (this is further represented in ending 3 of buddy simulator)

--


0 Kudos

Comments

Displaying 0 of 0 comments ( View all | Add Comment )