Researchers from Ritsumeikan University in Japan and affiliated institutions have identified conditions under which video games can support mental well-being. The findings were published in Nature Human Behavior, a peer‑reviewed scientific journal.
The study surveyed more than 97,600 Japanese residents aged 10 to 69 who participated in game console lotteries during the COVID-19 restrictions.
During the quarantine period, demand for game consoles and related products rose sharply. Manufacturers addressed the shortage by running contests that granted winners the opportunity to purchase one or more gaming systems.
Results showed a clear pattern: individuals who played video games reported a higher sense of life satisfaction than those who did not engage in gaming.
Researchers concluded that console ownership helped reduce psychological distress and increased life satisfaction by a range of 0.1 to 0.6 standard deviations.
The team also noted a ceiling effect: health and happiness gains were similar for those who played up to three hours daily and for those who played more than three hours.
Earlier studies indicated that video games can improve the mental state of people with schizophrenia, suggesting broader therapeutic potential across diverse groups.