Have you ever put down your controller after an incredible game, watched the credits roll, and felt a pang of sadness? You’re not alone. This phenomenon, known as post-game depression, has now been officially investigated by researchers at SWPS University in Warsaw, Poland. They’ve found it to be a complex issue requiring further in-depth study.
From this initial study, researchers discovered that role-playing game (RPG) fans are most prone to experiencing post-game depression.
“In these games, players have the greatest influence on character development through their decisions, building the strongest bonds with their characters,” explains Dr. Kamil Janowicz from SWPS University’s Personality Development Research Center at the Institute of Psychology. “The more engaging the game’s universe and the closer the relationship with the character, the harder it is to return to reality once the game ends.”
Interestingly, individuals who experience post-game depression are also more likely to exhibit a tendency towards pessimistic rumination. Researchers linked this phenomenon to a general difficulty in managing emotions. Those overwhelmed by repetitive, intrusive thoughts may experience similar feelings when playing and finishing video games. Consequently, if you tend to ruminate frequently, you might be at a higher risk.