Why do we spend hours throwing dice, shuffling cards or pressing gamepad buttons? The psychology of games reveals the secret: it’s not just entertainment, it’s more than that. Studies say 52% of gamers worldwide admit that games have helped them get through tough times. What goes on in our heads when we immerse ourselves in a game? Let’s find out – it’s going to be interesting!
What the article is about
Why are we playing?
Imagine: you’re sitting at a table, there’s a chessboard in front of you, and every move is a challenge. Why do people play? Johan Heisinga wrote in Homo Ludens: “Play is older than culture, it is the basis of all our actions”. Indeed, we choose to play voluntarily. No one forces us to pick up a deck or turn on a console – it’s our choice.
What draws us in? Here are a few reasons:
- Thirst for victory. Some people want to beat their friends at poker, others want to checkmate them in five moves.
- A break from reality. According to research, 64% of players see gaming as a way to forget their problems.
- Pleasure. Every win is a burst of joy in the brain.
The psychology of games shows: we look for freedom and the opportunity to be ourselves in them. It’s like a weekend for the soul, where we set the rules ourselves.
Emotions in games – from excitement to calmness
Games are an emotional cocktail. One moment you’re tensely waiting to see where the die will fall, and the next you’re screaming with excitement when you win the game. Studies confirm: 75% of players feel that games relieve stress and wake up the brain. Why is that?
It’s all about tension and release. When you’re waiting for your move or solving a puzzle, excitement builds in your body. And winning? It’s pure thrill! Scientists say winning triggers the release of dopamine, the pleasure hormone. But it’s not all about the thrill. Playing also connects us to others. You share a laugh, argue, negotiate – and a bond is born that is so lacking in ordinary life.
The psychology of games teaches us that emotions are fuel. They keep us in the game, even if we lose.
How the brain works during a game
Did you know that gaming is a brain exerciser? Kids who play more than three hours a day do better on memory and impulse control tests. The psychology of games explains: when you’re thinking about a move or planning a strategy, your brain is working at full speed.
Here’s what happens:
- Concentration. Players often fall into “flow,” a state where you’re fully engaged and don’t notice time.
- Mind defense. The New England Journal of Medicine notes: gaming reduces the risk of dementia by stimulating neurons.
- Flexibility. Losing teaches you to readjust and find a new path.
Unlike the quick reactions in video games, the psychology of games in quieter formats forces you to think deeper. It’s like a mental exercise that also brings joy.
The game as a mirror of life
Heizinga believed: “Culture is born in play. We learn through it from childhood. The psychology of games says: losing is not the end, but a lesson. You can’t restart the game, just like in life you can’t replay yesterday. You can, however, learn how to deal with failure.
When you negotiate with other players or rejoice in a shared victory, it’s about more than just moves. It’s about connection and emotion. The game reflects us: our fears, our hopes, our ability to hold ourselves together. It also teaches us to enjoy the little things, like a successful die roll.
Want to play an interesting game and have fun? Read the article “The game of Uno: rules and history – from the barbershop to the screen”.
The psychology of games – how does it change our perception?
Have you ever noticed how time flies by in a game? You’re sitting, thinking about a move, and it’s already getting dark outside the window. The psychology of games explains it simply: we are immersed in another world. Scientists call it a state of “flow” – when the brain is so engrossed that reality takes a back seat. Johan Heisinga wrote in Homo Ludens, “Play is a transcendence of the ordinary.” And it’s true, when you decide where to put your chip or how to beat your opponent, everything else ceases to exist.
But it’s not just about time. The psychology of games gives us the illusion of control. In life, much depends on chance, but here you choose your own path. Studies show that 63% of players feel happier when they win. It’s like a little island where you’re the master of your own destiny. And games also change the way you see yourself. You can be a hero, a strategist or just someone who cleverly guessed the card. Emotions in games are key here – from the tension before a move to the joy of a successful decision.
What’s also interesting is how the games distort the space. You’re not just sitting at a table – you’re in a battle, in an adventure, in another reality. It’s not just the pleasure of playing a game, but a way of looking at the world in a different way. Heisinga believed that through play we experience what is inaccessible in life. And it’s not just fantasy – it’s an exercise for the brain, which learns to see more possibilities.
What does the motivation of players depend on?
Why does one person play to win and another to relax? The psychology of games reveals: player motivation is an individual thing. Some need the adrenaline of a challenging competition, while others are looking for peace after a long day. But there are common threads that pull us to the game. For example, the reward. Researchers have found: for every 10 hours of play, well-being increases by 0.02-0.18 standard deviations. Why? Because the brain loves to be praised – whether it’s a game won or a new Achievement.
External factors play a role, too. Friends call you to fight, and you’re in. Or a new game promises an exciting story, and you can’t resist. Psychology of games says: it’s a balance between inner desire and external push. Some people want to prove to themselves that they are the best, while others just enjoy the process. Take chess: one player memorizes openings, the other just enjoys a beautiful combination.
And motivation also depends on the emotions in the games. Tension before a decisive move or laughter from an unexpected turn is what keeps us going. Studies confirm that 75% of players find mental relief in games. It’s not just about winning, it’s about feeling like you’re living in the here and now. The impact of games on the brain is also important: they teach us to set goals and go for them, even if the path is thorny.
Play as therapy – truth or myth?
Can gaming be a medicine for the soul? The psychology of games answers: yes, and the numbers prove it. 24% of people around the world play to support mental health, and 52% say gaming has helped them get through hardships. During the pandemic, those who played on Nintendo Switch performed better psychologically than those who did without games. Why? Gaming gives stability when the world around you is shaky.
But how does it work? Emotion in games is a powerful tool. You immerse yourself in the task at hand, and stress fades into the background. Researchers have noticed: 64% of players find gaming a healthy escape from their daily worries. It’s like a reboot: tension is replaced by relief and loneliness by a sense of community. Social connections in games are important here, too. When you play with others, there is a warmth that is lacking in isolation.
However, there is a nuance. The psychology of games is a support, not a panacea. It relieves tension, but it is not a substitute for a doctor. Imagine: you win the game, and your mood soars. It really helps, especially if you’ve had a rough day. The pleasure of the game is mixed with the feeling that you’ve done well. But the main thing is to know how to moderate it, so that the game remains a friend, not a boss.
The psychology of games – what do we end up with?
A game is not just a way to kill time. The psychology of games is revealing: we search for ourselves in it. According to research, 24% of people play to maintain their mental health. It’s about balance: tension is replaced by peace, loneliness by companionship.
We get emotions that are hard to find in the usual hustle and bustle. The pleasure of play is mixed with a sense of community. And it’s also a development: the brain becomes sharper and the heart warmer. Heisinga was right: play is at the core of who we are.
FAQ about the psychology of games
Why are games so addictive?
The psychology of games is simple: they trigger dopamine, the joy hormone. Every win or problem solved is a burst of pleasure. But it’s not just about chemistry: gaming gives you a sense of control and freedom that is often lacking in reality.
Can gaming help with depression?
Yes, and the numbers prove it: 52% of players say that games have helped them get through difficulties. They distract you, give you stimulation and a sense of victory. Of course, it’s not a cure-all, but it’s a good way to cheer yourself up.
How do games affect the brain?
They train it! Kids who play do better on memory tests. Adults benefit too: games keep the mind sharp. The psychology of games proves – it’s a head exercise with a bonus in the form of joy.
What do games do for communication?
Gaming is the glue for relationships. 64% of players find a connection with others in it. You joke, argue, rejoice together – and it creates a warmth that can’t be replaced by a chat room.