Have you ever put down your controller, watched the credits roll on an extraordinary game, and felt a distinct pang of sadness in your chest? You’re not alone. This phenomenon, now commonly referred to as post-game depression, has been officially investigated by researchers at SWPS University in Warsaw, Poland. The study concluded that the issue is complex enough to necessitate further, in-depth research.
What researchers initially gleaned from this study is that enthusiasts of role-playing games (RPGs) are particularly susceptible to experiencing post-game depression. Dr. Kamil Janowicz, from the Centre for Personality Development Research at SWPS’s Institute of Psychology, elaborated on this finding: “It is within these games that players exert the greatest influence over character development through their decisions, fostering the strongest bonds with their in-game personas. The more captivating the game’s universe and the deeper the relationship with the character, the more challenging it becomes to transition back to reality once the game concludes.”
Interestingly, the study also revealed a correlation between individuals who suffer from post-game depression and a heightened tendency toward pessimistic rumination. Researchers drew a connection between this inclination and a general difficulty in managing emotions. Those who are frequently overwhelmed by repetitive and intrusive thoughts may experience this more intensely when engaging with and completing video games. Consequently, if you are prone to overthinking or ruminating, you may also face a greater risk of experiencing post-game sadness.