What is your go-to activity when you have nothing to do and are feeling not so good? Is it Netflix and chilling? Or are you a hardcore gamer who finds solace in the digital world, far from the cacophony of reality? If you are a gamer, you would be familiar with the adrenaline rush that keeps you playing game after game.
Gaming is that one activity that can quieten your mind and instantly boost your mood. If you are not a gamer, you might not be able to relate with the happy go lucky feeling you get when you beat your arch nemesis or cross that finish line after an intense race.
Gaming does have a notorious reputation, with gamers often stereotyped as loners with no life. However, this is far from the truth. Gaming has evolved into an entire industry and full-fledged sports with millions of dollars at stake.
This only means that there is something more to gaming than just being an activity to pass time. Oxford University conducted a study in which 518 respondents were players of Plants Vs. Zombies, and 2,756 were players of the Animal crossing. The study concluded that gaming is associated with feelings of happiness. According to the researchers, experiences of competence and social connection with others contributed to the results.
Even if there was no research to support it, there is no doubt that gaming makes you happy because it keeps you connected with your inner child. Have you ever noticed how you jump with excitement every time you cross that level or beat the highest score? And trust us, this feeling is the same regardless of age.
Moreover, contrary to the belief that gamers don’t have any friends, gaming actually offers something to bond over. Have you ever seen gamers talk? It is like a cult, a sort of a bloodline that connects them together.
So, you could say that gaming is not as bad as it has been deemed; there are certainly positive aspects to it. If you are looking for a dose of happiness and serotonin, then we are here to tell you some of the most cheerful games that you can play to turn around your mood in an instant. Don’t worry, we are not going to recommend you any violent games.
1. Monster Go
If your kid is feeling down and throwing tantrums, then you can hand them this jovial game by Unlimited Gamez Mo. Oh, don’t get be confused with the name, there are no actual monsters in there; just some happy, cute bubble like creatures, pretending to be monsters. Just the look of this game exudes positive vibes. The attractive colors and the cute monster faces are enough to make anyone’s day.
The best part is that this game is super easy to play. All you have to do is connect the monsters with the flow of energy to activate them. You have to fill the entire field with energy lines to make the monsters happy. Pretty easy, right?
2. Animal Crossing
How can we miss the game that has been scientifically proven to make people happy. If you are an animal lover, then this is going to be a real treat for you. Developed and published by Nintendo, this game is a social simulation, whereby you have to customize a deserted island according to your liking. Only if it was for real.
You decide what animals you want on your land and how you want to decorate your paradise. Grow your own vegetables, hunt your dinner and then just sit back and enjoy a calm sunset or lie under the stars. Daydreaming, already?
Even if it is not for real, you can escape to this fantasy land and have the time of your life. You can check out the site to see what activities this game has in store for you.
3. Kirby: Planet Robobot
In this game, you don’t play as a robot, but a robobot— a pink fluffy ball that is so cute that you will just get a big dose of positive vibes when you start playing this game. Kudos to Nintendo for bringing us this super cute game that is not only fun to play but fun to pronounce as well.
In this game, you, as the pink fluff ball, have to inhale your enemies to gain their abilities. You can also enter mech suits and blast your way around. We know the game doesn’t sound very challenging, but if you are feeling the blues, let the pink ball take care of them.
4. Crazy Taxi
As the name suggests, playing this game is hell of a ride. Developed by Hitmaker and published by Sega, Crazy Taxi is a series of car racing games. The first game made its way to the arcade in 1999, and since then, it has been entertaining people.
If you are not familiar with this game, then let us tell you that it is pretty simple and fun at the same time. You just have to drive this indestructible yellow taxi through the two, making sure that you don’t run over the people. This is not as easy as it seems to be because there are people all around, playing tennis or lying around the beach. Nonetheless, it is going to be super fun.
5. Plants Vs. Zombies
A very unusual combination, but this is what makes this game interesting. This game was published by Popcap that has been bringing entertaining games in the market for the past 17 years.
Plants Vs. Zombies was the other game played by the respondents in the study. There is a variety that can you choose from, such as the original game, Plant Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare, Plant Vs. Zombies: Heroes, Plant Vs. Zombies: Battle of the Neighborville. Regardless of what version you choose, rest assured that it is going to be one exciting adventure.
6. Slime Rancher
Have you ever played with slime? The real world slime. If you have, you would know how satisfying it is and how it just melts your worries. Well, if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can play with slime in the digital world. Packed with magical landscapes and bright colors, this game is surely going to put a smile on your face.
The only thing you have to do is chase wild slime faces, capture them, and feed them. With the profits, you can buy new machinery for the farm, new plots, and tools, and then set off to find some new slimes. Super cute, isn’t it?
7. Flower
It is more of a soothing exercise than a game. In this game, you have to guide your petals through the fields. As you glide through the wind, there is soothing background music that calms your nerves and uplifts your mood. Just sit back, relax, and wander through the lush green fields as petals. Lose yourself in this bliss and trust us, you wouldn’t have to look for any other way to control your anxiety.
This is the perfect game to play before a daunting exam. Just give it five to ten minutes, and you will forget that you were ever anxious.
8. Journey
The game doesn’t only take your worries, but it can also be helpful in finding your purpose in life. In the game, you roam around as a cloaked figure, who is traveling towards a shiny mountain. During your journey, you find a scarf that lets you fly through the air and get a better experience of the mesmerizing landscapes.
On your way you also come across fellow travelers and make friends with them. There is no combat or danger involved, so if you are an adrenaline junkie, then this game is not meant for you. This artistic game is very peaceful that you should play if you have some trouble and want to figure out a way.
This game is also easily accessible. You can find it on many online gaming sites.
Happy Gaming
There are various games in the market that can fall in this list. We have mentioned some of the best that you are sure going to enjoy playing. These games are an excellent source of happiness. They can act as real stress busters if ever you are worried or stuck in life. You can either play them alone or ask your friends to accompany you. Rest assured, you are going to have a blast playing these.
Gamers know very well that gaming is not just an activity to kill time; it is rather an outlet that lets you process your feelings. Moreover, various studies have been conducted about the effects of gaming, and they show that gaming can increase creativity, improve learning skills, and now you also know that they can make you happy. Sure, there are negative effects as well, but you only experience those if you don’t maintain a balance. Remember, an excess of anything is never good.
