Gaming for well-being: New study links open-world games to lower loneliness and greater resilience

A new study published in JMIR Serious Games suggests that some video games may do more than entertain—they may also help adults cope with loneliness and build emotional resilience.

The study, titled "The Effects of Open-World and Fun, Accessible Games on Perceived Loneliness and Stoicism in Adults: Cross-Sectional Survey Study," found that adults who played open-world adventure games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and accessible "feel-good" games such as Yoshi's Crafted World reported lower levels of loneliness than nonplayers.

These players also showed higher levels of stoicism, a psychological measure of emotional resilience, self-control, and the ability to handle challenges calmly. ...