Post-game depression is now being studied as a measurable phenomenon, with researchers identifying how finishing a video game can leave players feeling empty, reflective, and emotionally drained.
A new study from SWPS University and the Stefan Batory Academy of Applied Sciences examined what happens after players complete long, immersive games, introducing the first scientific scale designed to measure the experience.
The findings were published in the journal Current Psychology, as researchers attempt to better understand how modern gaming impacts mental health.
Researchers create first scale to measure post-game depression
Video games are now one of the most popular forms of entertainment, with 53% of people aged 6 to 64 regularly playing. Only television and social media rank higher.
Despite that, researchers say the science behind gaming’s psychological effects is still developing, especially as games become more immersive and emotionally driven.
“Games are becoming more and more sophisticated, and increasingly involve more than just entertainment. For many people, completing a long, engaging game is not only a moment of satisfaction but also an emotional challenge,” said psychologist Kamil Janowicz, PhD, from SWPS University.
To study this, Janowicz and psychologist Piotr Klimczyk developed the Post-Game Depression Scale, a tool designed to measure the intensity of emotions players feel after finishing a game.
Their research defines post-game depression as a sense of emptiness following the end of a highly immersive experience, a feeling that has long been discussed in gaming communities but rarely examined scientifically.
Study links post-game depression to mental health patterns
The researchers conducted two studies involving 373 players recruited through social media, Reddit, Discord, and mailing lists.
Participants were asked to complete surveys measuring well-being, mental health, and their emotional response after finishing games. Most reported playing daily or almost daily.
From this data, researchers identified four key aspects of post-game depression:
- Game-related ruminations, including intrusive thoughts about the story
- A difficult emotional “end” to the experience
- A desire or need to replay the game
- Media anhedonia, or reduced interest in other entertainment
Game-related ruminations were found to be the strongest factor, while media anhedonia was the least intense.
The study also found that higher levels of post-game depression were associated with stronger depressive symptoms and lower overall well-being, though researchers said the direction of this relationship is still unclear.
RPG players most affected by post-game depression
According to the findings, players of role-playing games are the most likely to experience post-game depression.
“Our research shows that gamers playing role-playing games (RPGs) are most susceptible to post-game depression,” Janowicz said.
“It is in these games that players have the greatest influence on character development through their decisions, and build the strongest bonds with their characters.”
Researchers also found that people who are more prone to intrusive thoughts or rumination are more likely to experience stronger post-game depression symptoms.
FromSoftwareThose who reported more intense sadness after finishing a game were also more likely to dwell on events pessimistically, suggesting a broader emotional pattern.
The study describes post-game depression as a form of grief, similar to the feeling of losing an important connection or reaching the end of a major life chapter.
“P-GD is a specific type of grief after loss, reminiscent of parting with a loved one or the end of an important life stage,” Janowicz remarked.
Researchers say the findings could help inform future game design and raise questions about how developers consider player well-being as games become more immersive.
This is just the latest gaming-related study to go viral on social media. Back in December, scientists revealed that brain training games can slow aging by a decade.