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Study Finds RPGs Trigger Strongest Post-Game Depression - GameHaunt
A study published in Current Psychology indicates that players of role-playing games experience the most intense post-game depression. Research involving 373 participants found that deep character bonds and long playtimes in story-heavy titles like Kingdom Hearts and Red Dead Redemption II contribute to stronger feelings of sadness and emptiness after completion. The study identified four key signs of this phenomenon, termed P-DGS, including persistent rumination, media anhedonia, difficulty saying goodbye to characters, and the urge to immediately replay the game.
New study confirms what most gamers already knew: ‘Post-game depression’ is a real thing
A new study from SWPS University in Poland confirms the existence of 'post-game depression' (P-GD), a feeling of emptiness after completing immersive games. Psychologist Kamil Janowicz described P-GD as a type of grief, noting that role-playing games, where players form strong bonds with characters, are most likely to induce this feeling. The study suggests that game developers should consider the psychological impact of gameplay on player well-being.