New Delhi: Video games have long been given a notorious reputation for isolating people from the real world, and yet new research indicates otherwise. A recent study found that video games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Yoshi’s Crafted World can help adults cope with loneliness and build emotional resilience.
The study, ‘The Effects of Open-World and Fun, Accessible Games on Perceived Loneliness and Stoicism in Adults: Cross-Sectional Survey Study’ was published in the journal JMIR Serious Games on 17 June. It surveyed 2,252 adults over the age of 21 to understand their gaming habits and their self-reported feelings of loneliness and “stoicism”.
“Contrary to the stereotype of gaming as mere escapism, we found that open-world and accessible, joyous games can help foster a resilient, stoic mindset and alleviate loneliness,” corresponding author Andreas B Eisingerich, Department of Analytics, Marketing and Operations at Imperial College London, said in a press release.
The study highlighted that the “loneliness epidemic” is recognised as a public health crisis. Research has shown that chronic loneliness often leads to a 26 per cent increase in premature death, elevated stress hormones, and a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. The study noted that people are constantly ‘online’ and perhaps even single-player games could offer benefits to compensate for the lost ‘real-life communities’.
“On one hand, loneliness has been associated with problematic gaming outcomes, such as internet gaming disorder, in some populations. On the other hand, socially oriented gaming interventions have been explored as a possible way to reduce loneliness, particularly among older adults,” the study read.
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‘Purposeful solitude’
However, over the course of a five-week survey, researchers found that open-world games, which provided a virtual environment for players to explore, allowed participants to experience challenges and uncertainty, and gave them opportunities to develop courage, patience, and self-reliance. Even gentler games like Yoshi’s Crafted World helped people relax.
“Stoicism shifts the source of validation from external to internal. If an individual’s sense of worth comes from their own character and virtues, they are less vulnerable to the approval and curated feeds of others. Critically, stoicism helps reframe solitude, transforming loneliness into purposeful solitude—a time for reflection, self-improvement, and cultivating inner peace,” the study read.
The study does not claim that games can replace mental healthcare, but it suggests that some gaming experiences could be affordable tools for emotional well-being. Researchers also highlighted that the study is based on drawing correlations, and more research is needed to understand just how video games can impact emotional well-being.