Story perspectives

Study: 2,252 Adults Find Zelda, Yoshi Reduce Loneliness

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The survey of 2,252 adults found that playing certain video games reduced loneliness.
Players of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Yoshi’s Crafted World reported lower loneliness and higher stoicism.
Authors suggest a balanced digital diet of challenging exploration and relaxing games may boost emotional well-being.
Researchers caution that games do not replace professional mental-health care but could serve as an affordable, scalable support tool.

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Story summary

The survey of 2,252 adults found that playing certain video games reduced loneliness.
Players of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Yoshi’s Crafted World reported lower loneliness and higher stoicism.
Authors suggest a balanced digital diet of challenging exploration and relaxing games may boost emotional well-being.
Researchers caution that games do not replace professional mental-health care but could serve as an affordable, scalable support tool.