Can Gaming Make You Happier? New Study Explores the Mental Health Benefits of Open-World Games

Open-world games: More than just entertainment? A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research provides evidence that exploring expansive game worlds can have a positive impact on mental health.

Researchers from Imperial College of London and the University of Graz narrowed their focus to post-graduate students, investigating how these immersive experiences can foster a sense of freedom and autonomy, ultimately leading to relaxation and improved mental well-being.

This study, involving a survey of 609 players and 32 in-depth interviews, explored the impact of open-world games, including "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," on post-graduate students.

The findings suggest that these immersive experiences offer significant benefits, including improved relaxation, reduced stress, and enhanced mental well-being.

Future studies could look into potential therapeutic uses for stress and anxiety management as well as the long-term benefits of playing open-world games on a regular basis.