Collider has published a ranked list of the ten saddest deaths in video game history, highlighting moments where character sacrifice or loss delivered a significant emotional blow to players. The piece argues that as game narratives have matured beyond simple text-based lore, character deaths have become one of the most effective storytelling tools for creating lasting emotional impact.

The article text provided only details the two lowest-ranked entries. At number ten is Dominic "Dom" Santiago from Gears of War 3 (2011), whose self-sacrifice to save his friends is described as an unexpectedly powerful moment for a franchise not typically known for emotional depth, underscored by the use of the song "Mad World". At number nine is Aunt May from Marvel's Spider-Man (2018), who dies from a virus after Peter Parker uses the only cure on others to save more lives, with her final words revealing she always knew he was Spider-Man.