Study Finds Zelda-Style Open-World Games + Ghibli Films Boost Happiness

[cryptoenthusiast]

A National Center for Biotechnology Information study of 519 students found that playing open-world video games — specifically The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — can boost happiness and well-being, especially when combined with nostalgic experiences like watching Studio Ghibli films.
Researchers concluded that open-world games enhance a sense of exploration, skill, mastery and purpose, and that nostalgia further amplifies these benefits. Participants exposed to both Ghibli films and open-world titles reported the highest happiness scores.

[kelson10]

Zelda + Ghibli nostalgia boosting happiness shows how powerful games and stories can be together.

[jacson4]

Open-world play giving purpose and mastery explains why these games feel so rewarding.