Meditative Gaming For Mental Health

Jenessa Williams explores the surprising role that video games can play in managing our mental health

- Jenessa Williams

Nearly a year on, it is fair to say that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted us all. Stress, anxiety and isolation are all deeply understandable sensations in this age of uncertainty, and we all find different ways to get through it–TV, books, crafts or indeed, video games

While gaming might make you think of first-person shoot-em-ups or high-speed car racing, there is a softer side to video games too. From aeroplane flight simulators to virtual farming, players are taking more comfort than ever in meditative games of repetition and strategy, where game over is not an option so much as infinitely remodelling imaginary worlds. At their best, these video games can offer a real sense of immersion, and we’ve been drawn in our droves towards titles that offer simple, slow-paced gameplay, soothing in their lack of peril.

Whether you’re an experienced gamer or a technological novice, it’s never too late to try something new. Here, three gamers explain how their favourite meditative titles have helped them to manage times of grief, depression and isolation, turning their virtual worlds into a welcome escape.

HAVING EXPERIENCED SEVERAL close family losses, Kevin finds Football Manager to be a nostalgic, soothing way to manage his grief.

“I was staying overnight at a friend's house when I first experienced the game that would become Football Manager. My friend’s parents had bought him a PC to help him with his schoolwork, and Championship Manager 2 was the only two-player game he had. Even though it took the best part of an hour to load a new game, we were always happy to wait.