Collective data gathered by various gaming companies show that people who spend quality time playing video games are relatively happier and have better mental health than people who do not.
Spearheaded by the University of Oxford, the study sought to analyze the positive effect of video games. In particular, through video game titles, Electronic Arts’ “Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville” and Nintendo’s “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.”
The data infer that people who do play the games have indeed felt happier in the process.
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The participants of the study involved 518 Plants vs. Zombies players as well as 2,756 Animal Crossing: New Horizons players.
While nothing new, the study offers a discovery that is based on actual objective information which contrasts previous studies that mostly boil down on anecdotal claims, therefore an accurate finding.
Very limited in its scope, however, the study could not speak for all video games in general. In addition, the researchers could not conclude as to whether length of play as being a critical factor to the positive effect.