- Scientists conclude, using in-depth studies, that post-game depression is a real phenomenon.
- It happens when players finish a game and are left in a state of feeling empty.
- RPG fans are the most at risk of this, as they spend hours and hours in the story.
Feeling a game and feeling empty is a feeling is common feeling more than many would admit. This is particularly more evident in people who love spending hours in long role-playing games and feeling lost after beating them.
Scientists have explored this phenomenon of feeling empty and call it a ‘post-game depression’. They created a scale for measuring this depression, and the research was published in an international Journal.
Why it matters: The scientists claim that games are now becoming a lot more sophisticated, and for many, completing a long game is more of an emotional challenge that leaves its mark on the players.
Scientists from SWPS University conducted deep research and published a paper on this matter, and coined the term post-game depression for the empty state players feel after finishing a lengthy and engaging game.
P-GD is a specific type of grief after loss, reminiscent of parting with a loved one or the end of an important life stage. Our research shows that for many gamers, the virtual world becomes such a significant source of emotion
Two studies were conducted involving 373 players, who were recruited via social media. Study 1 captured 4 aspects related to the phenomenon: game-related ruminations, challenging end of experience, replaying the game, and lack of interest in other media.
In study 2, the intensity of each 4 of the aspects was measured to see if they indeed cause post-game depression. It was concluded that this condition is a complex phenomenon and is a set of challenging experiences.
It was also derived that RPG fans are the most at risk due to this, while others have a lesser chance. Still, PG-D is now real and is proven scientifically as well.
What are your thoughts on the post-game depression phenomenon? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
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News Reporter
Abdullah is an avid gamer who primarily plays single-player titles. If you can’t find him anywhere, he’ll probably be at his desk playing The Witcher 3 for the millionth time. When he isn’t playing games, he’s either reading or writing about them.
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