Gaming and streaming have become a significant part of my life, shaping who I am and how I interact with the world. My journey began with childhood curiosity and has evolved into something much bigger. In this piece, I’ll share the story behind my gamer tag, my favorite games, and what drives me to stream. It's been an exciting adventure, full of growth, passion, and community.
Every gamer has a unique story behind their tag, and mine is no different. The origin of "Eden8" is both nostalgic and, admittedly, a bit quirky. As a teenager, I was obsessed with the cartoon Adam and Even. During one conversation with a friend, we somehow came up wth a made-up word—“Eden8.” It was a blend of "amazing," "beautiful," and "perfect." Combination of my name and my birth month.
This silly creation became my username everywhere, and over time, it was shortened to “Eden.” Now, Eden8 has become my identity in the gaming community. It’s funny to think that something so random and tied to my teenage fangirl days ended up becoming a part of who I am online, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My love for gaming began early, though it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment. I had a Super Nintendo as a child, and while I can’t remember all the games I played back then, *Super Mario World* stands out as a core memory. There was something magical about it—the colorful worlds, the sense of exploration, and the simple joy of controlling Mario as he jumped through levels. Another game I loved was *Pandemonium*, a quirky platformer that still holds a special place in my heart.
Those early experiences set the stage for a lifelong passion. I didn’t know it at the time, but gaming would become a significant part of how I disconnect, relax, and explore new worlds.
When it comes to choosing a favorite game, it's tough, but two titles tie for the top spot: *Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West* and *Ghost of Tsushima*. These games captivated me with their stunning visuals, engaging combat systems, and, most importantly, their immersive stories. Whether it’s Aloy’s journey in the post-apocalyptic wilderness or Jin Sakai’s samurai quest in feudal Japan, these games allowed me to lose myself in their beautifully crafted worlds.
Right behind them are *Stardew Valley* and *Dishonored*. *Stardew Valley* is my go-to when I need something more relaxing, offering the slow, rewarding satisfaction of building a farm and fostering relationships in a small town. On the flip side, *Dishonored* satisfies my love for stealth and action, letting me slip through shadows while crafting intricate plans to outwit my enemies.
Each of these games represents a different side of my gaming personality. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush of combat or the peaceful escape into a pixelated farm, these are the games that resonate most deeply with me.
I’ve played too many games to count. I’ve been gaming for as long as I can remember, and over the years, I’ve accumulated hundreds of titles across multiple platforms and genres. I’m the type of gamer who enjoys a little bit of everything.
From first-person shooters to RPGs and MMOs, I’ve explored countless worlds. However, the genres I lean toward the most are farming sims, factory-building games, stealth adventures, action RPGs, and the occasional horror game. There’s something about the balance of creativity, strategy, and immersion that these genres offer, keeping me engaged and coming back for more.
My journey as a gamer began when I was a child, but it took a pivotal turn when I was 14 years old. At the time, my dad was playing *Far Cry 2*, but he wasn’t very good at it, so I stepped in to help him. That experience, combined with the games I started playing on my sister’s Xbox 360, cemented my love for gaming. I spent countless hours browsing for secondhand games, falling in love with titles like *Gears of War*, *Dead Space*, and *Assassin's Creed*.
Gaming became more than just a pastime for me; it was a way to disconnect from reality and immerse myself in worlds where I could forget about life’s stresses, even if only for a while. Over the years, I’ve held onto that, finding comfort and joy in the experiences that games offer.
I never really set out to become a streamer. Back in 2014-2016, I dabbled in YouTube, creating videos for fun. But life got in the way, and I stopped. Fast forward to 2022, *Horizon Forbidden West* was about to drop, and I was hyped. I wanted to capture GIFs of my gameplay, so I thought, why not stream it? I had just gotten a PS5, and streaming seemed like the easiest way to share my experience without worrying about editing videos afterward.
What started as a way to avoid editing soon turned into something I genuinely enjoy. Streaming allowed me to play games while having some company, which is something I didn’t realize I needed. It’s nice to connect with people, even virtually, and share in the excitement, frustration, and victories that come with gaming. Plus, streaming is a great distraction from the everyday stress of life and work.
When I think about the future, I try not to get too caught up in long-term plans. Life has a funny way of taking unexpected turns, but if I had to guess, in five years, I hope I’m happier and doing something that fulfills me. Ideally, I won’t be working where I currently am, and if streaming doesn’t become a full-time career, I’d love to have found another job that I enjoy.
Ultimately, I just want to feel content, whether that’s through streaming or another path. I’ve learned not to put too much pressure on myself to “have it all figured out.” Instead, I focus on doing what makes me happy in the moment and trusting that the rest will follow.
Looking back, my journey from a young girl playing *Super Mario World* on my Super Nintendo to a streamer sharing my gaming experiences with an audience has been nothing short of incredible. My love for gaming has led me to explore countless worlds, connect with people from all walks of life, and discover a passion for streaming that I didn’t see coming.
Gaming has always been more than just a hobby for me. It’s a way to escape, a way to connect, and a way to express myself. Whether I’m sneaking through the shadows in *Dishonored*, exploring the wilds of *Horizon Forbidden West*, or relaxing with a farming sim like *Stardew Valley*, gaming will always be a part of my life.
As I continue streaming and sharing my experiences, I look forward to whatever new adventures the gaming world has in store for me. Here's to the next chapter of my journey, and to finding happiness along the way.
"Horizon Zero Dawn" is an action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games and released in 2017. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it combines rich storytelling with an expansive open world, where players take on the role of Aloy, a young hunter on a quest to uncover her past and the fate of the ancient civilization that preceded hers.
The game is set in a lush, post-apocalyptic world inhabited by robotic creatures that resemble prehistoric animals. This unique blend of nature and technology creates a stunning backdrop, encouraging exploration and discovery. The world is filled with diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to expansive plains and snowy mountains.
Aloy, the protagonist, is a skilled hunter and archer who was raised in a tribe called the Nora. As she embarks on her journey, she uncovers the mysteries of her origins, the history of the world, and the threat posed by rogue machines. The narrative explores themes of identity, societal evolution, and humanity's relationship with technology.
- Combat: Players can engage in strategic combat using a variety of weapons and tactics. Aloy can craft arrows, traps, and gadgets, allowing for different approaches to battles with robotic foes.
- Exploration: The open world encourages players to explore ancient ruins, complete quests, and gather resources. Climbing and traversal mechanics are fluid and engaging.
The game features a mix of main story quests and side quests, often rich with lore and character development. Interactions with NPCs deepen the world-building.
"Horizon Zero Dawn" is renowned for its breathtaking visuals, showcasing detailed character models, stunning landscapes, and intricately designed robotic creatures. The soundtrack complements the atmosphere, enhancing emotional moments and the overall immersion in the world.
"Horizon Zero Dawn" stands out as a landmark title in modern gaming, blending a captivating story with expansive gameplay and a stunning world. Whether you're a fan of action RPGs or new to the genre, Aloy's journey is one worth experiencing.
Introduction "Ghost of Tsushima," developed by Sucker Punch Productions and released in 2020, is an action-adventure game set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island. The game beautifully blends open-world exploration, rich storytelling, and intense combat, immersing players in a tale of honor, sacrifice, and resilience.
The game is set in the late 13th century and beautifully recreates the lush landscapes of Tsushima Island, featuring stunning vistas, tranquil forests, and sweeping grasslands. The world is dynamic, with day-night cycles and weather effects that enhance the immersive experience.
Players take on the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior who must adapt his traditional ways to fight against the Mongol invaders led by Khotun Khan. After witnessing the devastation of his homeland and the fall of his uncle, Jin embarks on a journey to become the "Ghost"—a figure who uses unconventional tactics and stealth to reclaim Tsushima. The narrative explores themes of honor, identity, and the moral dilemmas faced by a warrior in times of conflict.
- Combat: "Ghost of Tsushima" features a fluid and rewarding combat system that emphasizes swordplay and martial arts. Players can engage in head-on battles or use stealth tactics to outmaneuver enemies. Jin can learn new techniques, upgrade weapons, and customize his fighting style.
- Exploration: The game encourages players to explore its vast open world. Players can discover hidden shrines, complete side quests, and engage with various characters, each adding depth to the overall story.
- Stances and Techniques: Jin can switch between different combat stances, each effective against specific enemy types. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy to battles, allowing players to adapt to different challenges.
"Ghost of Tsushima" is lauded for its breathtaking visuals, featuring meticulously crafted environments and stunning attention to detail. The game incorporates a “Kurosawa Mode,” inspired by legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, which presents the game in black and white with film grain, enhancing the cinematic experience. The soundtrack complements the narrative, featuring traditional Japanese music that heightens emotional moments.
"Ghost of Tsushima" is more than just a game; it’s an emotional journey through a beautifully realized world. With its compelling story of a samurai’s transformation, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay, it stands as a testament to the potential of video games as a storytelling medium. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a fan of action-adventure games, Jin Sakai’s quest for honor and redemption is an experience that should not be missed.
Stardew Valley is a beloved indie farming simulation game developed by ConcernedApe (Eric Barone). Released in 2016, it quickly captured the hearts of players with its nostalgic pixel art, engaging gameplay, and soothing soundtrack. Players inherit a rundown farm in the quaint town of Pelican Town, where they can cultivate crops, raise animals, mine for resources, and build relationships with the townsfolk.
At its core, Stardew Valley combines farming simulation with role-playing elements. Players can:
Farm: Plant a variety of crops, tend to livestock, and expand their farm with buildings and decorations. Each season brings different crops, adding a layer of strategy to farming.
Crafting and Mining: Gather resources from the environment to craft tools, machines, and other useful items. The local mines are a great place to find minerals and fight monsters, adding an adventurous twist to the experience.
Fishing: Players can engage in fishing, which adds another way to earn money and gather ingredients for cooking and crafting.
Relationships: Building friendships with the townspeople is a key aspect. Players can give gifts, attend festivals, and even pursue romantic relationships, leading to marriage and family.
Exploration: The game encourages exploration of the diverse landscape, including forests, beaches, and mountains, each filled with unique resources and secrets.
The game is structured around a seasonal calendar, with each season lasting 28 in-game days. Players must adapt their farming strategies according to the season and can participate in various seasonal festivals, like the Egg Festival or the Stardew Valley Fair, which offer mini-games and unique rewards.
Stardew Valley offers extensive customization options for farms and characters. Players can choose their farm layout, decorate with furniture, and personalize their avatars. Progression is marked by leveling up skills in farming, mining, foraging, fishing, and combat, unlocking new crafting recipes and abilities.
Stardew Valley is more than just a farming game; it’s a relaxing escape into a charming world filled with opportunities for creativity and exploration. With its blend of farming, crafting, and community engagement, it invites players to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a newcomer to the genre, Stardew Valley offers a delightful experience that’s hard to resist. So grab your watering can, cultivate your crops, and start your adventure in Pelican Town!
Join us in celebrating Eden8, as our STREAMER OF THE WEEK and immerse yourself in the captivating world of ONCE HUMAN through his engaging streams. Follow Eden8 on his journey and prepare for an adventure like no other! Click on the link, follow, and subscribe to get notified anytime Eden8, goes Live. https://www.twitch.tv/eden8