Scientists have drawn attention to a psychological reaction that some players experience after completing video games and have introduced the term "post-play depression." The phenomenon was identified by researchers at SWPS University and their findings were reported in the press.
In their study the researchers examined gamers' self-assessments, behaviors and moods following the conclusion of games. The analysis revealed that a subset of players experience persistent, intrusive thoughts about a game's storyline, lose interest in other forms of media, and show reluctance to begin new titles.
Those affected also commonly return to games they have already finished rather than moving on to new experiences. This pattern suggests a difficulty in disengaging from a completed narrative or gameplay loop and a tendency to seek familiarity by replaying or revisiting past content.
The researchers emphasize that these reactions are observed more frequently among fans of role-playing games. They link this to the deeper level of involvement such titles afford: the ability to create and develop a personal character, influence its progression and the broader story, and invest many hours in the experience. The extended time and personal agency that RPGs provide can strengthen attachment, making the ending of a story feel like a significant event.
The study also notes that the intensity of these post-play feelings may be connected to an individual’s overall level of well-being. The authors acknowledge limitations in their sample, which consisted predominantly of men, and point out that this skew in participant demographics should be considered when interpreting the results.
The paper concludes by calling for further research to better understand the phenomenon, its prevalence across different player groups and genres, and the factors that influence its severity and duration.