A recent study conducted by Polish psychologists has shed light on the phenomenon known as post-game depression (P-GD). The researchers surveyed 373 gamers to explore this emotional response and created a unique scale to evaluate it. They characterize P-GD as a sense of emptiness that arises after completing an immersive gaming experience. According to Dr. Kamil Janowicz, a co-author of the research, "P-GD resembles a specific form of grief associated with loss, akin to bidding farewell to a cherished individual or concluding a significant chapter in life." The study found that P-GD is particularly prevalent among players of role-playing games (RPGs), likely due to the deep emotional connections formed with game characters as players engage with their journeys and the outcomes of their choices. While researchers do not classify P-GD as a distinct medical condition, they caution that the feelings experienced post-game can adversely affect individuals already susceptible to depression. Moreover, those who are currently facing depressive episodes may find these emotions intensified. Have you ever encountered post-game depression? Yes, it's a familiar feeling... No, never... I don't play games.
Informational material. 18+.
