From the sacred rituals of online communities to the moral dilemmas of post-apocalyptic worlds, this section explores how games mirror — and shape — human psychology. Discover how cognition, emotion, identity, and storytelling collide in digital spaces, revealing what play can teach us about ourselves, our culture, and the worlds we build together.
How to Use CBT in D'n'D: Applying Real-World Techniques to Handle Fear, Anxiety, and Challenges
Learn how to incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques into your Dungeons & Dragons game. Explore how breathing exercises, mental rehearsal, and cognitive restructuring can help players handle fear, anxiety, and other challenges while enriching the role-playing experience.
Press Start to Feel Better: Mood Management, Gamer Motivation, and the Psychology Behind Game Choices
Explore how Mood Management Theory, Bartle’s taxonomy, Nick Yee’s gamer motivations, and PETGaMo together reveal the psychology behind why players choose games to regulate moods and achieve psychological balance.
Lisa: The Painful and the Ethics of Ruin
Explore the brutal morality of Lisa: The Painful, an RPG that confronts trauma, addiction, and the ethics of survival in a world without redemption. A deep dive into guilt, control, and the cost of love.
Playing for Fun Again: Escaping Gaming Burnout and Backlog Guilt
Struggling with gaming burnout or a growing backlog? Learn why even fun can feel like work—and how to reclaim the joy of playing video games without pressure or guilt.
Health and Gaming: Exploring the Interplay Between Virtual Worlds and Well-Being
Delve into how gaming shapes mental and physical well-being—explore cognitive benefits, social bonds, potential risks, and strategies for balanced play.
In-Game Rewards: Understanding Why Video Games Are So Addictive
Discover the psychology behind in-game rewards and why video games are so addictive. Learn how dopamine, variable rewards, social comparison, and progression systems keep players engaged. Explore ethical considerations and healthy gaming habits.
Top 10 Positive Effects of Video Games
Discover how video games can enhance cognitive abilities, improve problem-solving skills, and boost social interactions. Explore the top 10 benefits supported by research.
Do Micro-Transactions in Video Games Lead to Gambling?
Explore the link between video game micro-transactions and gambling behaviour. Learn how loot boxes, battle passes, and in-game spending impact players, especially youth, and what regulations can mitigate risks.
The Role of Video Games in Building Resilience: Can Games Teach Perseverance and Adaptability?
Discover how challenging video games foster resilience, perseverance, and problem-solving skills by pushing players to adapt, learn from failure, and succeed through persistence. Learn how games can enhance emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and real-world adaptability.
Understanding the Symptoms of Gaming Addiction
Explores the symptoms and broader impact of gaming addiction, a condition that can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
How Do Horror Video Games Influence Fear and Anxiety Levels?
Horror video games, with their immersive environments, eerie atmospheres, and intense narratives, are designed to evoke fear and anxiety. Understanding how horror video games influence fear and anxiety levels provides insights into the psychological impacts of this genre and its potential therapeutic and educational applications.
The Psychological Benefits of Gaming for Mental Health
Video games have long been scrutinized for their potential negative impacts, but emerging research suggests that gaming can offer a range of psychological benefits, particularly when it comes to mental health. In this article, we'll explore how video games can have positive effects on mental well-being, from stress reduction to enhancing cognitive skills.