New Scientific Study Concludes 'Post-Game Depression' Is Real, and It's RPGs That Have the Biggest Effect on Us
in newsletterIGN · 2026-03-24 · 8 min read · culture
A peer-reviewed study in Current Psychology formally quantifies "post-game depression," the emptiness players feel after finishing an immersive game. RPGs trigger the strongest response, with effects tied to character attachment, rumination, and temporary inability to enjoy other media.
Appeared in 2026-03-24.