There’s plenty to be stressed about; work, money and familial problems. In fact, in a recent Annual WIN World Survey, these three driving factors were revealed as some of the biggest stressors for men today. So it’s likely that you’ve been looking for ways to bring your angst down to a manageable level. Maybe you’ve tried meditation, exercise or journalling. All noble pursuits have plenty of research espousing their stress-busting benefits. But have you tried booting up a video game?
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A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research looked into the potential positive effects of playing open-world games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and their ilk. Think: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey as you explore a giant swathe of Ancient Greece or Grand Theft Auto 5 running (and driving) wild in a fully populated virtual city. These types of games are unique in that they allow players to explore at their own pace, turning what is usually an on-rails experience into a giant sandbox.
Researchers surveyed 609 players and then conducted 32 in-depth interviews. They found that open-world games served up substantial benefits for cognitive escapism, “significantly improving relaxation and well-being among postgraduate students”. “The immersive and autonomous nature of these games is crucial in reducing stress and enhancing mental health,” claims the study. “Future research may investigate the long-term effects of regular engagement with open-world games and explore their potential therapeutic applications for managing stress and anxiety.”
The Brighter Side of Gaming
This isn’t the first study to uncover the potential mental health benefits of booting up your PlayStation after a stressful work day. A previous 2015 study compared the effects of meditation versus logging time in a casual, low-stakes videogame and found that (while games weren’t as effective as a mindful body scan) they positively impacted stress. The game in this study was Flower, a simple experience that gives you control over the wind to blow away petals slowly. (You can try it right here.)
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Let’s take a look at a few more benefits of logging regular gaming sessions:
Playing Videogames May Help Reduce Depression
In moderation, of course. One report found that playing video games could help lighten the load by alleviating some of the symptoms linked to depression. These virtual capers can also help regulate your mood, and according to some other studies, break you out of a cycle of rumination.
Playing Videogames Could Help Improve Your Memory
One study tasked a group of adults (aged 70+) with playing either Super Mario 3D World or Angry Birds for 30 minutes every day for 14 days. Before and after each gaming session, participants had to complete a series of memory tests. Those playing Super Mario were able to improve their scores by over 10%. According to the authors, this could amount to reversing around 20 years of cognitive decline.
