Open-World Games Like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Boost Mental Health, New Study Claims

Posted on January 10 2025 by Julia Wilson

A recent study by Imperial College London and the University of Graz in Austria has found that playing open-world games can offer benefits to mental health. The research, which specifically highlights both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, reveals that these games “allow players to experience a sense of freedom and autonomy, which can reduce stress and improve mental health.”

The study specifically focused on open-world games, as this genre enables:

“Players to engage in non–goal-oriented activities, such as exploration, crafting, or simply enjoying the game’s scenery, which can foster relaxation. Unlike the high-intensity demands of many action games, open-world games often allow a more leisurely pace, contributing to relaxation and stress relief.”

This type of gameplay, based in a large immersive world, in turn offers cognitive escapism, allowing the player to remove their focus from daily life stresses and submerge themselves in a different realm.

The research engaged over 600 postgraduate students, with an average age of 23.19 years, using both in-depth interviews and surveys to understand the impact of gaming on their mental health. The responses to the study suggested that open-world games do positively affect mental health, with some feedback examples from the participants crediting a game for impacts on positivity, perseverance, inner peace, and personal growth:

“Any story can be told in multiple ways. It can be sad and leave you anxious. It can be encouraging and make you feel stronger and more positive. Beating Calamity Ganon may be the goal but it’s the story and journey along the way that makes you more positive. Also it’s true genius that they allow you to fight Calamity Ganon over and over again without having to start a new game. That’s absolutely brilliant. I love the positive ending. It’s such a positive and encouraging story.” [Respondent #5]

“Mezza Lo Shrine was impossible to complete. It took me days and days and I couldn’t get it done. That buck always escaped. And you know what? I hit the wrong button! Hahaha, instead of the L button I kept spamming the R button. It was hilarious. What a hoot. It really brought home the message of never giving up. And in the end I did it. I completed that damn shrine. Hahaha. Heart in the mouth stuff. I felt I could manage it and do other things too. If I can manage the Mezza Lo Shrine I can overcome other challenges.” [Respondent #11]

“Finally I managed to get the master sword. What a moment. I waited for this moment so long! That’s the feeling you live for. Total bliss and total feeling of relief and peace.” [Respondent #3]

“Through all this trial and tribulation, the frustrations of tackling some of the shrines that are really a pain in the neck to figure out and to find I have grown as a person. Patience. Self-Discipline. Kindness. Friendship. Dedication to the craft…yes, I have grown as a warrior not just Link.” [Respondent #8]

After analyzing all the responses, the findings of the study are summarized in the conclusion, suggesting:

“Specifically, these games’ immersive environments and player autonomy play a crucial role in reducing stress and enhancing mental health. Open-world games could be used as therapeutic tools for stress and anxiety management, offering a cost-effective and accessible method to improve mental health.”

“The finding that open-world games may enhance people’s well-being through enhanced escapism and relaxation is not trivial, given the growing evidence that other forms of entertainment, such as traditional social media, contribute to adolescent anxiety and depression.”

Do you find it relaxing to play open-world Zelda games? Do you feel that the immersive style enhances your well-being, benefiting your mental health? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: JMIR Publications (via Science Alert)