Study Finds That Completing a Video Game Can Cause “Post-Game Depression”

Recent research from SWPS University and the Stefan Batory Academy of Applied Sciences has unveiled a novel scale for measuring the psychological impact players experience after completing extensive gaming sessions. Documented in the journal Current Psychology, this study aims to shed light on the emotional ramifications of modern video games on mental health.

The Innovation Behind the Post-Game Depression Scale

Video gaming stands as a dominant form of entertainment, engaging 53% of individuals aged 6 to 64, making it one of the most popular leisure activities, surpassed only by television and social media. As gaming technology becomes increasingly immersive, the psychological effects of such experiences merit deeper investigation.

“Games are evolving beyond mere entertainment into complex, emotionally engaging narratives. Ending a lengthy game can provoke not just satisfaction but also a significant emotional response, ” commented Dr. Kamil Janowicz, a psychologist at SWPS University.

To assess these emotional responses, Janowicz and colleague Dr. Piotr Klimczyk introduced the Post-Game Depression Scale. This innovative tool evaluates the emotional intensity players experience upon finishing a game, addressing feelings that have often been discussed informally within gaming communities but not previously explored in depth scientifically.

A new study has identified ‘post-game depression’ as the sadness players feel after finishing a video game. It was revealed the effect is particularly strong after completing an RPG pic.twitter.com/yd9SG0xtOo

— dexerto (@dexerto) March 23, 2026

Investigating the Links to Mental Health

The research involved two distinct studies comprising 373 players, recruited via social media platforms, Reddit, Discord, and mailing lists. Participants completed surveys designed to assess their emotional states, mental health, and overall well-being after gaming.

The analysis pinpointed four primary features of post-game depression:

Intrusive thoughts or ruminations about the game narrative
A challenging emotional conclusion to the gaming experience
A craving or urge to replay the game
Media anhedonia, reflected in a decreased interest in other forms of entertainment

Among these aspects, game-related ruminations were identified as the most significant, while media anhedonia registered as the least intense. Furthermore, heightened levels of post-game depression correlated with increased depressive symptoms and diminished overall well-being, although the directionality of this correlation remains largely undetermined.

RPG Players: The Most Affected

Findings suggest that players of role-playing games (RPGs) are particularly vulnerable to experiencing post-game depression. Dr. Janowicz noted, “Our research demonstrates that individuals who engage with RPGs are more likely to feel post-game depression due to their deep involvement in character development and the strong emotional bonds formed with their in-game personas.”

The study also indicated that individuals prone to obsessive thoughts or rumination are at a higher risk of experiencing intense post-game depression symptoms. Players reporting profound sadness following game conclusion were more likely to engage in negative thinking patterns, highlighting a broader emotional trend.

elden ring character in shadow of the erdtree — FromSoftware

The research characterizes post-game depression as a particular type of grief, akin to the emotional toll of losing an important relationship or completing a significant life chapter. Dr. Janowicz elaborated, “P-GD embodies a unique grief experience akin to parting with a loved one or concluding a crucial life stage.”

These insights may guide future game development, encouraging creators to prioritize player welfare as gaming experiences become increasingly immersive. This study adds to the growing discourse around the psychological effects of gaming, coming on the heels of recent revelations about brain training games potentially staving off cognitive decline by up to a decade.

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