Study Measures Heart Rate Across 16 Games to Find the Most Stressful — Dark Souls Almost Wins, but Mario Kart

A study by BonusFinder US monitored the heart rates of 14 gamers across 16 titles to determine which games induce the most physiological stress. Mario Kart ranked highest for average heart rate increase over a 30-minute session, while Dark Souls III produced the most extreme peak heart rate spike during a boss fight. Conversely, games like Animal Crossing and The Sims were found to lower heart rates below resting levels.

▸ entities in this article

GAME Animal Crossing: New Horizons
GAME Minecraft
GAME Dark Souls 3
COMPANY BonusFinder US
GAME Uno
GAME FIFA 20
GAME DOOM
GAME The Sims
GAME Street Fighter
GAME Battlefield V
GAME Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
GAME Grand Theft Auto
GAME The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim