Oxford Study Reveals Video Games Boost Mood: Findings from 67,000+ Players Worldwide

FuturLab and the Oxford Internet Institute, part of the University of Oxford, presented the results of an international study that showed positive changes in mood while playing video games.

The study analyzed data from 67,328 game sessions of 8,695 players from 39 countries while using the PowerWash Simulator. More than 162,300 in-game reports show that, on average, respondents reported feeling more positive during the game than before the start of each round, and 72% experienced an improvement in mood during the game.

The researchers say the findings help understand how the short-term effects of video games may be beneficial for “mood-related interventions.” They can also support building a “theoretical foundation” for the long-term effects of gaming addiction on mental health.