The term “post-game depression” gets thrown around a lot, but it sounds like there might actually be some substance to it. At least according to early research into the phenomenon, which has identified certain behavioral patterns in those who experience depression-like symptoms after finishing a game.
This study was conducted by researchers at the SWPS University Stefan Batory Academy of Applied Sciences (thanks, Dexerto), and explores players' self-reported behaviors and moods after completing a game. The study found that many struggled to move on from what they have been playing and showed less interest in starting a new game so soon or engaging in other forms of media.
Furthermore, the researchers claim that RPG players were most likely to experience what they defined as “post-game depression”. The study concludes that this is because RPGs give us more control over character development and narrative decisions, making us more invested and therefore unable to let go.
We finally have a study on post-game depression, but what does it mean?
First of all, we need to define what post-game depression actually is. For the purpose of the study, these are behaviors that can be linked to depression. The study went with the following:
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Game-related rumination: intrusive thoughts about the action
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Challenging end of experience
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Necessity of replaying the game
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Media anhedonia: loss of interest in other media products.
Intrusive thoughts should be self-explanatory, but are often misunderstood. An intrusive thought is not just “I want to do something”, but is an unwanted, distressing thought or mental image. Often, it's not something that reflects what you want or your values, which is why it's so hurtful that it pops into your mind in the first place. So maybe we're stretching the definition a bit when we're talking about video games, but if you're constantly thinking about the end of a game and it causes you anxiety, I can see how it fits in here.
As for the other symptoms, they can definitely apply here. When you're depressed, it's common to look for something familiar — like replaying the game. Also, a lack of interest in activities is an incredibly common symptom of depression, so experiencing a sudden disinterest in other media is a fitting symptom of post-gaming depression.
The study shows that the more intense the post-game depression, the more likely you are to experience “stronger depressive symptoms and lower well-being”. This is where the obvious risk to RPG players comes in.
“Our research shows that players who play role-playing games (RPGs) are most susceptible to post-game depression,” says Dr. Kamil Janowicz. “It is in these games that players have the most influence on character development through their decisions, and build the strongest bonds with their characters. And the more engaging the game world and the closer the relationship with the character, the harder it is to return to reality once the game is over.”
Additionally, the study likens post-game depression to “breaking up with a loved one or the end of an important life stage.” In other words, a perfectly legitimate reason to have feelings or symptoms of depression. Not that anyone ever needs a reason or justification, of course, but the emotions associated with finishing a game are nothing to scoff at.
If you are curious, you can look through the research yourself here. Although it would take me some time to analyze it all, since much of it is in Polish, we can see that there is at least one limitation of the research here: the vast majority of the 373 participants were men. Males made up 71.4 percent of participants, with 25.7 females and 2.9 percent being non-binary. While the aim would likely be to best represent more passionate players (ie those who play most days of the week), it's hard to see how that number is accurate, as the gaming space is more varied than this.
Still, this is the first study of its kind, so there is more work to be done in this area. It will be interesting to see what other finds are made.
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