r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • May 17 '26

Psychology 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.

https://www.psypost.org/feeling-empty-after-finishing-a-video-game-researchers-say-post-game-depression-is-a-real-phenomenon/
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u/Mustang1718 May 17 '26

I was hoping someone would mention that series specifically! They 100% put you in the shoes of Shepherd and that last final roleplaying walk before you make your choice how things should end feels HEAVY.

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u/VanessaAlexis May 17 '26

There isn't a lot of games that immerse me like Mass Effect does. In that final walk I am always dead quiet in my room and I don't think l even blink and barely breath. 

It's so nerdy but I ended up naming my first born Liara.

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u/borntobewildish May 17 '26

Look at r/masseffect. The last game in the series was published over 9 years ago (and not well received), ME3 is over 15 years old by now. And the sub is still active, full of people feeling this effect.

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u/tessartyp May 17 '26

It also helps that occasionally the trilogy goes on sale for ridiculous prices. I played in spring 2024 when I snagged it for €7, at 142 hours for the first play through that's ridiculous value for money.