Finishing a video game can trigger “post
Dexerto • • technology
Key Points:
- Researchers from SWPS University and Stefan Batory Academy have developed the first scientific scale, the Post-Game Depression Scale, to measure the emotional impact players feel after completing immersive video games.
- The study, published in Current Psychology, identifies post-game depression as a sense of emptiness and emotional challenge following the end of a highly engaging gaming experience, with key symptoms including intrusive thoughts, emotional difficulty ending the game, desire to replay, and reduced interest in other entertainment.
- Role-playing game (RPG) players are most susceptible to post-game depression due to their strong emotional bonds with characters and decision-driven gameplay, with higher post-game depression linked to stronger depressive symptoms and lower well-being.
- The phenomenon is described as a form of grief akin to losing an important connection or life chapter, highlighting the need for game developers to consider player mental health as games become more immersive and emotionally complex.
- The research involved 373 players surveyed on their mental health and emotional responses, revealing that those prone to rumination and intrusive thoughts experience more intense post-game depression symptoms.
