Video games have long been the source of debate when it comes to their impact on mental health. Most believe that gaming offers no benefits and it only leads to violence and social isolation. It doesn’t help that there are studies, albeit a bit biased, that back up those misconceptions.
So, why are people drawn to them despite these associations?
Here’s why people find playing video games appealing:
Safe Place to Fail – Video Games provide a platform to experiment and fail without real-world consequences, fostering resilience. Whether it’s making the wrong dialogue in games like Life is Strange, or failing to defeat a boss a certain way in games like Shadow of the Colossus. Games let you ‘load’ your game again through your saved files or restart you from a checkpoint so you can try again!
Relaxation – While there are a lot of fast-paced and intense video games, there are also a ton of calm and relaxing ones. Sometimes when the world feels overwhelming, immersing yourself in games like A Short Hike can help you ease yourself from the noise of the world.
Ideal Self – Video games give us a chance to play a role we would ideally like to take. Oxford Professor, Dr. Andy Przybylski, conducted research to see if people played games were running away from themselves or their problems. He was pleased to find that people were actually running towards their ideals.
Now that we’ve seen the appeal, what was that about having no benefits whatsoever?
Well, video games actually do have many benefits that we don’t even realise!
In a study to see the links between video games and flourishing mental health, a group of researchers used Dr. Seligman’s PERMA theory of wellbeing to show the strengths in gaming:
Positive emotion – Playing video games can boost positive emotions and help you relax, which is great for your mental wellbeing.
Engagement – Engaging in activities like gaming is linked to increased happiness. Video games can create an immersive experience that leads to a state of deep concentration and enjoyment.
Relationships – Online gaming can boost your relationships, creating connections that feel like face-to-face or real-life friendships and providing social support and emotional connections.
Meaning – Players find real meaning in teaming up with millions worldwide, working together towards common goals, and earning cool in-game rewards.
Accomplishment – Chasing goals in video games gives you a real sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, making you feel super competent and happy.
Video games are more than just fun—they can actually be good for us. They provide a unique space to learn and bounce back from setbacks without real-life consequences. Gaming goes beyond relaxation; it fosters engagement and connections, whether online or with friends. Research shows that gaming can boost our mood and sense of accomplishment.
So, next time you pick up that controller, remember that gaming isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to boost resilience, relax, and feel more connected in our lives.
Now that we’ve explored the positive impact of gaming on mental wellbeing, why don’t we put these insights into action? Here are some video game recommendations:
Firewatch is set in 1989, you play as Henry, a volunteer fire lookout in Wyoming. Tasked with watching for smoke during a hot, dry summer, your only contact is your supervisor, Delilah, via radio.
What made this game so fun and relaxing to play was its beautiful virtual nature hikes (great for people like me who aren’t too good with nature!). I got to live vicariously through Henry and pretend I was hiking as well! However, it wasn’t just the virtual hike that I loved about the game but how real the dialogue felt throughout the story. It gives you little time to react, much like a real conversation.
Where you can get the game: Steam | GOG | Apple
In A Short Hike, you play as Claire, a young bird spending the summer with her ranger Aunt May. Claire is expecting an important call, but Aunt May tells her there’s no reception except on Hawk Peak! You must embark on a hike to Hawk Peak to get cellular reception and answer that call.
Yes, yet another game about hiking! This one felt more explorable than the previous one, with only some areas being blocked off. It was fun getting “side-tracked” and finding other objects and coins, I kind of felt like a magpie collecting all these items! Fun game if you want to walk around a forest aimlessly!
Where you can get the game: Steam | Itch.io | GOG | Epic | PlayStation 4 | XBOX One | Nintendo Switch
Far from Noise is a relaxing game perfect for unwinding or calming yourself from the noise of the day. The game starts with your character whose car is teetering over a cliff for whatever reason. While you pick dialogue to help calm your character, you meet this enigmatic talking stag who asks you very interesting questions.
What’s really interesting about this game is the dialogue choices it gives you, as well as what the stag will reply to you! The game can be calming, sometimes a bit too calming that I fell asleep.
Where you can get the game: Steam | Apple | Itch.io | PlayStation 4
Kind Words is a game centred around writing letters to real people, as well as receiving letters from people.
What’s really great about playing this game is that it doesn’t feel like a game! It’s more like a platform for you to share what’s bothering you and something great that’s happened to you! All are completely anonymous, too! I like that you can even include stickers in your letters to people. Plus, those stickers turn into decorations for you to decorate your little virtual space!
Where you can get the game: Steam | Itch.io
As someone who has played a variety of games, ranging from intense action to calming adventures, I believe people should explore the healing powers of video games. More times than I can count, video games have saved me when I felt the most alone. While the gameplay is fun in most video games I’ve played, it was the captivating stories that left a lasting impression on me. Although video games have no real-world consequences to your in-game actions, they certainly showed me to think more carefully when I make decisions. Overall, video games have made a big impact on my life, and I think others should give them a try to see what they can offer!
