It’s always so heartwarming when big companies reach out and do some good, especially in dire situations where their input literally changes lives.

That’s exactly what happened to a brain surgery patient, whose enthusiasm for Destiny prompted his neurosurgeon to recommended it as therapy to help him with his recovery. Bungie got wind of it thanks to the man’s wife, who posted the story to Reddit, and in response they gifted him with a one-of-a-kind scout rifle with some pretty neat stats: The Fate of All Fools is a solar primary rifle, and apparently the man’s favourite sort of weapon.

The man, referred to only as Eric in the Eurogamer article, has apparently showed signs of improvement as a result of playing Destiny. The reason his neurologist recommended it was because Eric had shared how much he was looking forward to the game, and it was a memory the surgery didn’t obliterate. Because of that strong connection – and the fact that videogames have been showing potential in various physical therapies – his neurologist was only too happy to recommend Destiny to help with Eric’s recovery.

According to Eric’s wife, Reddit user BKbunny87, Eric has shown good progress.

The following two paragraphs are quotes from the Eurogamer article:

“I have been shocked how well he has taken to it,” Bkbunny87 wrote. “Once an avid cook, he was no longer able to navigate our kitchen – but with Destiny, it was like a duck to water. He has always been exceptionally good at games, and it seems like that hasn’t changed a bit.”

“It’s been a little over a week, and the game’s effect on him has been so strong,” she added. “Weak for months, he is flourishing in more than just the game world. He has been going out more, doing chores, making jokes. The effect of playing the game on his mood has been almost staggering.”

As a life-long gamer, I’m only too happy to hear just how beneficial games can be for things like therapy, something I’ve always suspected but of course I’m no university with research facilities, so it was just a hunch. I’m also feeling rather warm & fuzzy toward Bungie for responding to the situation in such a nice way.

Also, check out that gun:

It’s amazeballs! While it can never make up for having brain surgery and forgetting stuff, it’s still a very cool gift for any avid Destiny fan.

Nice one, Bungie, you big softy. And all the best to Eric and his awesome wife.

[Source – Eurogamer]