Why I Still Play Pajama Sam: The Power of Story
Recently, I found myself sitting next to my kid, watching him play Pajama Sam. For the uninitiated, this is a computer game from the ‘90s (made for six-year-olds) about a little boy’s imaginative adventures facing down magical versions of his fears and challenges. It’s simple, cheerful, and unmistakably dated.
And honestly? I still enjoy playing it – not just because of nostalgia, but because it’s built around something that’s surprisingly rare, even today:
It tells a strong story.
That’s what stuck with me as a kid. And it’s what still sticks with me now.
It Wasn’t the Graphics or the Gimmicks
The Pajama Sam games weren’t trendy. They didn’t have cutting-edge graphics. They weren’t “cool” by any technical standard.
What they had was purpose.
Characters who grew. Obstacles that mattered. A little emotional arc, even for a six-year-old. And because of that, the Pajama Sam games weren’t just activities – they were experiences.
Thanks to the engaging story, these low-stakes games went from something to look at and solve to something to care about. And not just for me – there are forums and YouTube comments filled with people singing their praises decades later.
What makes it work?
From mythology and parables to satire and pop literature, story is the way we make meaning as human beings.
A story is a particular way of describing the world around us. It argues that events don’t just happen, but grow out of something. Characters want things, learn things, and change things, and in the end, they shape reality.
When we absorb stories, that’s what we’re taking into ourselves: other people’s sense of the world and what matters in it. The deeper a story pulls you in, the more you experience it like it’s your own, and the more it changes you in turn.
Why This Matters for Your Organization
If you’re leading a nonprofit, running a campaign, or building a program – especially in a crowded space where it’s harder to differentiate yourself – you’re probably under a lot of pressure to stand out. The competition is fierce, and you’re constantly on the lookout for ways to impress.
But don’t get too caught up in appearances.
Your organization doesn’t have to be the biggest or flashiest. If you tell a story that resonates – one that shows purpose, heart, and transformation – people will be drawn to it. They’ll be swept up in the emotions of it and be won over by its point of view.
What’s the Takeaway?
Story is your best shot at being remembered.
Not the data and details. Not the mission statement. But:
Who are the characters your audience cares about?
What’s the problem you’re solving?
What’s the process of transformation like?
Where does it all lead?
Flashy visuals and other gimmicks will catch people’s eyes for a moment, but they won’t leave a lasting impression. Taking viewers on an emotional journey and making them feel rooted in your world – that’s a real hook for them to hang onto.
They’ll care. And when people care, they respond.
They talk about you at the dinner table.
They share your video with friends.
They feel something when they see your logo – because it means something to them.
If you’re wondering how to get people to notice, care about, or support you – make story your first priority.