May 234 min read

Learning to Roll with It: The impacts of role-playing games on mental health.

Updated: Jun 25

By: Talia Segura, MA, LMHC

During the pandemic, there was an observed rise in the desire for interpersonal connections and social interactions, coinciding with heightened levels of anxiety and symptoms related to depression. During this time, individuals sought out online platforms as a means of fostering connections through engaging in virtual gameplay. One of the most common platforms included playing fantasy role-playing games through virtual tabletop meeting spaces. Fantasy role-playing games often involve intricate fictional narratives, player character development, conflict resolution, and immersive role-playing experiences. In these games, participants embody interactive characters within a make-believe milieu, overseen by a designated Game Master. Decision-making by players directly influences the unfolding fictional plotline without repercussions in reality. This platform allows for social interaction and skill-building in a safe and creative environment for real-life application.

Types of Role-Playing Games (RPGs)

Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games

Played online by large quantities of people at a time. Players will log into a central server, complete character creation, and occasionally follow a storyline.
Most common games include World of Warcraft and Star Wars the Old Republic.

Computer/ Console Role-playing games

This category more broadly includes an RPG using a console or computer system to play. These are often single player and scripted story experience following a specific storyline.
Most common games include Mass Effect and Dragon Age

Western Role-play Game

Central storylines are played in an open world style. Allowing the player to explore and complete multiple side questions if the players choose to do so without ever completing a storyline.
Most common games include Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and The Witcher.

Tabletop Role Playing Games

Typically, a group of players in a real tabletop space or virtual tabletop space where gameplay revolves around conversation, conflict resolution, and player interactions among the fictional world setting.
Most common games include Dungeons & Dragons, Call of Cthulhu, Fiasco.

Ways to get connected

Many local game stores offer bulletin boards as a resource for individuals to seek out or create gaming groups, as well as to disseminate information about newly formed groups. It is crucial to assess whether a group will foster an environment conducive to establishing a secure and welcoming space for all participants. Generally, a "session 0" will provide an opportunity for players to initiate acquaintanceships with one another and establish rapport with the game master. This period will involve important dialogues regarding potential triggers, game parameters, and a comprehensive overview of expectations for players and the game master. There are multiple avenues available for individuals to foster connections, ranging from online platforms to physical establishments.

● Connecting to local groups via local game stores

● Locating therapeutically trained Game Masters

● Finding online communities

● Attending a character creation workshop

● Listening to adventuring podcast

Character Creation and Self Reflection

The process of character creation holds significant importance in the realm of role-playing games. Through this process, players have the opportunity to craft a character that mirrors either real-life attributes or fantastical qualities. Engaging in the character creation phase enables players to invest time into developing a rich backstory for their character and form a strong emotional bond with this fictional entity. It serves as a platform for individuals to delve into unexplored areas such as sexuality and racial identity. People from diverse cultural, gender, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds have the opportunity to cultivate a sense of inclusivity through participation in role-playing games. In the collaborative realm of fantasy gaming, the values and ethics held by both the game master and players significantly influence the created world. This interplay between personal morals and the fantasy setting enables individuals to safely navigate and analyze the consequences of virtuous and unethical choices. The impact of character creation creates a space of exploration and story building allowing individuals to be introspective and identify important self-reflections.

What can role playing games do to improve mental health?

Individuals with acute mental health challenges may find benefit from engaging in role-playing games. Those who have experienced trauma, social isolation, anxiety, and depression can potentially receive positive outcomes from participation in such activities. Role-playing games (RPGs) have been shown to enhance individuals' capacity to develop more effective communication patterns, improve conflict resolution abilities, and simulate real-life situations in a consequence-free environment. For individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, RPGs provide a secure setting to practice diverse forms of communication and social interactions. Participants often experience heightened levels of introspection, empathy, and self-awareness, as well as enhanced peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Leveraging psychodrama therapy under professional supervision encourages individuals to reflect on and explore alternative approaches to conflict resolution. Participants have reported reduced levels of social apprehension during gameplay, attributed to the freedom to engage with emotionally charged content and meaningful experiences within a fictional context.

Additionally, RPGs cultivate a sense of community and inclusivity, fostering the development of interpersonal skills for real-world application. It is important to acknowledge that while engaging in role-playing games (RPGs) can foster valuable skills, it is imperative to exercise caution regarding the potential risk of identity distortion. When the boundaries between fantasy and reality become obscured, individuals may run the risk of conflating their personal identity with the fictional persona they have fashioned. The collective influence of Role-Playing Games (RPGs) on mental well-being has been consistently shown to be constructive and beneficial in cultivating interpersonal aptitude. Coupled with a thriving community and extensive accessibility options, the potential outcomes are boundless. Sometimes, it's not about reaching the final destination, but rather about the breathtaking journey that unravels before us. Where will your journey begin? Let your heart lead the way, let your passion ignite the flames of determination, and let every step you take be filled with emotion and purpose. Embrace the unknown with open arms and embark on a journey that will awaken your soul and change your life forever. The journey awaits, it calls out to you - where will yours begin?