In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become extremely prevalent, affecting individuals across various facets of modern life. In 2024, around 75% of Americans reported that they had experienced a physical or mental symptom of stress in the last month.
However, video games today have become not only a source of entertainment, but also a valuable tool for stress relief. In a 2023 global survey asking respondents why they play video games, 78% of Americans said they do it to relieve stress, a number topped only by Brazil, at 87%.
Experts from Mobile Premier League (MPL) discuss their insight into the link between stress relief and video games.
Therapeutic Benefits
Video games are becoming increasingly recognized for their therapeutic benefits in stress relief. Games are immersive by nature, distracting players from the stressful thoughts of their everyday lives, by focusing on in-game challenges and objectives.
“Video games provide a mental break and allow players to disengage from real-life stressors,” says an MPL expert.
Engaging activities and compelling narratives help players unwind, while calming elements like soothing music often reduce stress levels. Features such as exploration, problem-solving, and creative endeavors usually lead to positive stress-reducing emotions.
Additionally, video games foster social connections through multiplayer interactions and online communities, building relationships and enhancing social connectivity.
“Gaming platforms serve as social hubs where players can form lasting friendships,” explains MPL.
All of these benefits, when combined through video games, contribute to the much-needed stress relief that so many Americans are chasing when they sit down for a gaming session at the end of a hectic day.
Stress-Relieving Video Games
There are countless games that have continuously grown in popularity thanks to their relaxing atmospheres and opportunities to unwind. Here are just a few:
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a popular life simulation game where players create their island paradise, interact with anthropomorphic animal villagers, and engage in various activities.
It’s relaxing thanks to its serene atmosphere, leisurely activities like fishing and gardening, and absence of time constraints or high-pressure challenges.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game where players can grow crops, raise animals, mine for resources, and build relationships with townspeople in a peaceful rural setting, making it relaxing due to its calming gameplay and the ability to unwind in a simple, idyllic environment.
Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect: Connected is a puzzle video game where players manipulate falling tetromino blocks to complete lines, with the relaxing aspect being its soothing music and captivating visual effects that create a mesmerizing and immersive experience.
The experts at MPL note, “If you haven’t already, you should try out gaming as it offers a powerful escape and is a fantastic relaxation tool that has become indispensable for stress relief.”
About MPL
Mobile Premier League (MPL) is a popular gaming platform in the US, offering a variety of games across categories like card games and casual games. Players can compete in these games to earn real money through cash tournaments and battles. The platform ensures a secure and fair gaming experience with robust security measures and transparent policies. MPL supports multiple payment options for deposits and withdrawals, including Apple Pay, PayPal, and bank transfers. The app is available for download on mobile devices, allowing players to enjoy games and win cash prizes conveniently.
Methodology
The statistic about adults with stress was gathered from Single Care.
The stress-relieving games came from Engadget.