Researchers at Imperial College London suggest that open-world games offering cognitive escapism enhance mental health. The study examined the experiences provided by games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. They view open-world environments as a countermeasure to the potentially detrimental effects of social media.

A collaborative study between Imperial College London and the University of Graz in Austria has revealed that open-world video games contribute far more than just entertainment during our leisure time. As demonstrated, these types of immersive experiences are also surprisingly beneficial for enhancing our mental well-being.

As part of their investigation, the researchers surveyed over 600 students about their experiences with open-world games, including titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The findings were quickly interpreted by the research team as a potent antidote to other contemporary activities, such as endlessly scrolling through social media updates.

The Therapeutic Potential of Open Worlds

Unlike spending hours on platforms like Twitter or TikTok, which have long been associated with stress and mental health issues, engaging in open-world gameplay is considerably more advisable. These games provide immersive environments that facilitate mental diversion, emotional relief, and the pursuit of goals. Consequently, they can serve as effective tools for improving psychological and emotional health.

The key appears to lie not only in the inherent appeal of the game itself but also in the opportunities it presents to liberate the mind through freedom of exploration and non-linear objectives. This ensures a sense of relaxation and mental rejuvenation that is increasingly valuable in today’s fast-paced society.

During 32 interviews conducted with students, participants described how playing these types of games provides them with a sense of peace, helps them temporarily forget about their daily concerns, and some even likened the experience to a form of personal meditation characterized by tranquility, relaxation, and the satisfaction derived from achieving in-game goals without stress or tension.

Source: 3djuegos