The quote from Val McDermid's "Crack Down" reflects a poignant truth about adulthood: the absence of simple solutions to alleviate the suffering of loved ones. Unlike the escapism found in video games, where players can wield control and influence outcomes, real life is laden with complexities that often leave us powerless in the face of pain experienced by those we care for. This realization can be disheartening, as the desire to protect loved ones from harm clashes with the reality of our limitations.

The enjoyment of computer games thus serves as a refuge from this harsh truth. Within the digital realms, players can assume the role of a deity, shaping whimsical worlds and guiding characters through challenges with ease. This control offers a sense of relief and satisfaction absent in the real world, where emotional struggles are often inevitable and uncontrollable. The contrast highlights a longing for the simplicity and the clear-cut resolutions that games provide, serving as a coping mechanism for the complexities of adult life.