Beyond Fantasy: Unveiling the Mental Health Benefits of Role-Playing Games

A study on the benefits of role-playing confirms that collective collaboration and feelings of belonging are crucial components of mental well-being, as they are integral to the role-playing experience (Sargant, 2014). Participants in these games reported that the framework of fantasy play reduced their social anxiety, enabling them to engage with their internal feelings in meaningful ways. Considering the healthy connections and a sense of fulfillment, this role experimentation led to improved behavioral changes as well as enhanced social skills, benefiting their overall mental state. These results alone demonstrate that RPGs are more than just a form of entertainment; they are a means to build confidence, self-acceptance, and strengthen relationships with both the self and others, all of which contribute to healthy mental vitality.

Another study on the benefits of role-playing games on mental health confirms that fantasy role-play games fulfill cognitive behavior change and mental health needs through interaction and accomplishment (Adams, 2013). Although RPGs may seem like mere fantasy games that use make-believe as a platform, the emotions, companionship, and accomplishments experienced are real. These findings imply that RPGs influence players' behavior and thought processes in the real world.