Feeling empty after finishing a video game (post-game depression) is a real phenomenon. A recent study has found that many video game players experience a specific sense of emptiness and sadness after finishing highly engaging games.

Feeling empty after finishing a video game? Researchers say post-game depression is a real phenomenon

A recent study published in Current Psychology has found that many video game players experience a specific sense of emptiness and sadness after finishing highly engaging games. The research introduces a new psychological scale to measure this phenomenon, showing that post-game depression is linked to general depressive symptoms and difficulties in processing emotions. These findings offer new insights into how deeply immersive media can impact a person’s emotional well-being.

Video games are the third most popular leisure activity in the world. Modern video games are not solely designed to provide simple entertainment or pleasure. Many of these titles feature complex narratives that evoke deep emotions, existential reflection, and a profound sense of achievement.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-025-08515-2

I felt this after finishing Alan Wake 2. It was a whole mixture of feelings. Very similar to that shattering feeling after finishing a great book.

Becasue in this gaming economy when you find one you love you It could be years before that happens again.