A new study by researchers from SWPS University in Warsaw has highlighted a little-explored phenomenon: post-game depression, an emotional emptiness that some players experience after finishing a video game.
This discomfort manifests with symptoms such as intrusive thoughts about the plot and difficulties enjoying other audiovisual productions.
The connection with the characters and their universe is so strong that it affects us
The findings are based on an analysis conducted with 373 players and highlight the complexity of this phenomenon, which should be considered part of a broad spectrum of interconnected emotional experiences.
Post-game depression is not a major clinical disorder, but it has become notable in the gaming community. The community had already discussed this emotional experience on social media, comparing it to the well-known “literary hangover” that readers feel after finishing an impactful book. Just like with reading, video games require a certain level of dedication and emotional connection, which intensifies the void once the experience is over.
Role-playing game (RPG) players are those who report a higher intensity of these symptoms. This is because RPGs allow players to influence the development of their characters, creating deep bonds that make the transition back to everyday life more difficult.
The study reveals that intrusive thoughts about the plot are the most intense experience, while the difficulty in enjoying other content is less pronounced.
The results suggest that personalities prone to intrusive thoughts or a pessimistic outlook tend to experience these episodes more intensely.
This phenomenon reveals, according to the authors of the study, the ability of video games to provoke deep emotions, which in turn highlights the significance and impact of these interactive experiences in the lives of players. Playing is not just entertainment; it is a way of living and feeling intensely.