The deep feeling of emptiness and melancholy experienced when video games, one of the most impressive elements of the modern entertainment world, end, has begun to be defined as post-game depression in the scientific literature. Researchers from SWPS University and the Stefan Batory Academy of Applied Sciences examined the feelings of loss and sadness felt after an immersive digital adventure. The study, published in the international journal Current Psychology, introduced the world’s first scientific scale developed to measure this phenomenon to the public.
The New Emotional Test of a Digital Age Today, video games have become the third most popular free time activity after television and social media. Statistics show that 50% of individuals between the ages of 6 and 64 play games regularly. However, as gaming technologies develop, the experience offered ceases to be just entertainment and turns into a deep emotional journey. Psychologist Dr. Kamil Janowicz emphasizes that games are becoming more realistic and immersive, which makes it necessary to understand their effects on the mental health of players.
What is the Post-Game Depression Scale (P-GDS) Researchers developed the “Post-Game Depression Scale” (P-GDS) for this phenomenon, which is frequently mentioned in game forums but ignored by the scientific world for a long time. The two-stage study, conducted with the participation of 373 players, revealed that this emotional state has four main dimensions: Game-Focused Rumination: Uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts about the story and plot.
Challenging End of the Experience: Difficulty coping with the ending moment of the game. Need for Replay: The inability to disconnect from the world and the desire to reconnect with characters. Media Anhedonia: Temporary loss of interest in other movies, books, or games. The analysis shows that game-focused rumination is the most intense symptom, while media anhedonia is felt relatively less. RPG Fans are the Biggest Risk Group Best RPG Games One of the most striking results of the research is that role-playing game (RPG) enthusiasts are the most vulnerable group to this syndrome.
Dr. According to Janowicz, the reason for this is that players have the highest control over character development in the RPG genre and establish the strongest bonds with the character. The more believable the game world and the closer the relationship with the character, the more difficult it becomes to return to the real world when the final scene screen arrives. 🔸Best RPG Games Mental Health and Ethical Game Design The study proves that this post-gaming melancholy is associated with general depressive symptoms and lower well-being.
It has been observed that individuals, especially those who tend to evaluate events in a pessimistic way, experience a more intense mourning process at the end of the game. Scientists argue that these findings and the phenomenon of post-game depression raise an ethical responsibility in game design processes. How games impact player well-being is now becoming a factor to consider during development. Source: SWPS
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