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Classic Games Boost University Students' Emotional Well-Being

12/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study by Imperial College London and Kyushu Sangyo University found that playing classic games such as Super Mario Bros. and Yoshi can boost emotional well-being among university students.
The researchers say these games foster 'childlike wonder,' increasing happiness and reducing burnout risk, with findings published in JMIR Serious Games.
Participants reported gameplay helped them appreciate small joys and contrasted with adulthood pressures.

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Story summary

A study by Imperial College London and Kyushu Sangyo University found that playing classic games such as Super Mario Bros. and Yoshi can boost emotional well-being among university students.
The researchers say these games foster 'childlike wonder,' increasing happiness and reducing burnout risk, with findings published in JMIR Serious Games.
Participants reported gameplay helped them appreciate small joys and contrasted with adulthood pressures.