A new study has found that playing video games can be good for your mental health. The study was conducted by a team of health, behavioral and economic experts in Japan and published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.
The aim of the study was to explore the effects of playing video games on mental health.
In 2018, Gaming Disorder was officially classified as a mental health condition by the World Health Organization. It is an important topic in Japan, where many people, often young men, isolate themselves in their bedrooms for months or years.
The study was conducted with 97,602 people aged 10 to 69 in Japan during the height of the Covid pandemic, from 2020 to 2022. At that time, due to supply chain disruptions, there was a worldwide shortage of game consoles, with local retailers having to apply a lottery system for those who wanted to buy PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch consoles.
In the entire study group, 2,323 of the 8,192 people who entered the lottery won the chance to buy one of the gaming consoles. The researchers conducted five surveys on gaming console ownership, gaming preferences, mental health, life satisfaction, and sociodemographic characteristics.
The results showed that owning one of the consoles and playing games was beneficial for mental health. However, playing more than three hours a day reduced the psychological benefits.
The researchers acknowledge that the results may have been influenced by the fact that they were conducted during a pandemic and lockdown. However, studies on the positive effects of video games on players' mental health have been around for years.
Steam’s latest U.S. weekly chart covers October 6–13, 2026. See the biggest risers, falling titles, and what the revenue-based rankings do—and do not—tell you.
Steam’s latest weekly chart covers September 29–October 6, 2026. See which games climbed, slipped, returned, and what the rankings actually measure.
Master how to use a vegetable steamer basket for perfectly cooked, nutrient-rich vegetables in minutes. Follow this clear step-by-step guide to start steaming today.
How Long to Steam Broccoli in Microwave Steamer? Get the precise timing and step-by-step instructions for tender-crisp results that lock in nutrients and flavor.
Find and download the best free games for PC Steam with this complete guide. Learn how to browse, install, and play top free-to-play titles quickly.
How to Use Conair Steamer correctly to remove wrinkles fast from clothes and fabrics. Follow these clear steps for safe, effective results every time.
Shark Steamer Not Steaming? Follow these targeted troubleshooting steps to identify and fix the issue so your Shark steam cleaner works properly again.
Learn how to steam fresh broccoli perfectly in just five minutes. This simple stovetop method keeps nutrients intact and delivers tender-crisp results every time.
How to Steam Vegetables Without a Steamer using everyday kitchen tools like a pot, colander or microwave. Get crisp, nutrient-rich results with these proven methods.
Find cool multiplayer games on Steam with this guide covering discovery, installation, and play. Jump into co-op and competitive titles with friends today.
