Do you ever find yourself unwinding with a Studio Ghibli film, or getting lost for hours in the vast world of Hyrule?
It turns out, that feeling of peace you get isn’t just in your head—it’s scientifically proven. A groundbreaking new study published in JMIR Serious Games has revealed that engaging with these beloved worlds can significantly boost your overall happiness and well-being.
The study, titled “Effects of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Studio Ghibli Films on Young People’s Sense of Exploration, Calm, Mastery and Skill, Purpose and Meaning, and Overall Happiness in Life,” suggests that these forms of media are more than just entertainment. They’re powerful tools for finding a sense of self and satisfaction in a world that often feels anxious and overwhelming.
Why Are Young People So Stressed?
Before diving into the fun stuff, it’s important to understand the problem this study addresses. The researchers note that young people today face unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. From academic pressures and constant testing to the curated, often-unrealistic world of social media, daily life can feel like a relentless uphill battle. The study points out that many young people have packed schedules with little time for the unstructured, imaginative free play that is vital for healthy emotional development.
Enter The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Studio Ghibli.
The Hyrule Effect: Finding Purpose and Calm
If you’ve ever played Breath of the Wild, you know that the game isn’t just about saving Hyrule—it’s about the journey. The study’s results showed a significant and positive impact of playing the open-world game on overall life happiness. So, what’s happening here?
The researchers found that the effect on happiness is mediated by a few key factors:
- A Sense of Exploration: The game’s massive, beautiful, and open-ended world encourages players to wander off the beaten path. This constant discovery, from stumbling upon a hidden Korok to finding a new shrine, taps into a primal human desire for adventure and wonder.
- A Sense of Calm: The serene landscapes, gentle music, and freedom to set your own pace act as a form of meditative escape. Players can take a break from real-life stressors and simply enjoy the moment, whether they’re cooking a meal under the stars or watching a storm roll in.
- A Sense of Mastery and Skill: The game rewards players with visible progress. Upgrading armor, acquiring better weapons, or finally defeating a tough enemy provides a tangible sense of accomplishment, building confidence and resilience.
- A Sense of Purpose and Meaning: The “hero’s journey” narrative of Zelda provides players with a cause bigger than themselves. This can be deeply meaningful, even within a fictional world, and helps foster introspection and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Ghibli Magic: Nostalgia and Quiet Wonder
The study didn’t stop at gaming. It also explored the role of nostalgia evoked by Studio Ghibli films like Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service. The results showed that when combined with gaming, the positive impact on happiness was significantly enhanced.
So, why are these films so powerful?
- Celebrating the Ordinary: Ghibli films find magic in everyday moments—a family dinner, a bicycle ride through the countryside, or a young witch delivering bread. By highlighting the extraordinary within the ordinary, they encourage viewers to find beauty and joy in their own routines.
- Kindness as a Driving Force: Ghibli narratives often focus on empathy, community, and personal growth rather than intense conflict. Seeing characters overcome challenges with kindness and resilience fosters a sense of hope and warmth that can be deeply comforting.
- Reverence for Nature: The breathtakingly animated fields, forests, and skies in Ghibli films remind us of the peace that comes from being in tune with the natural world. This can evoke a sense of freedom and wonder often associated with childhood.
A New Prescription for Well-Being?
The study, which involved 518 postgraduate students, used a controlled experimental design to test the effects of open-world games and Ghibli films. The findings are clear: these creative works can significantly foster a sense of exploration, calm, mastery, and purpose, all of which contribute positively to one’s overall happiness.
In an age of relentless pressure and digital noise, the study’s conclusions offer a refreshing and simple path to well-being. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your mental health isn’t to hustle harder, but to simply grab a controller or curl up with a beloved film. The science says it’s worth it.
