As people become more open to discussing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, it's worth examining the potential benefits hobbies like tabletop gaming can have on a person's wellbeing. Games such as Dungeons and Dragons have become incredibly popular in recent years, allowing players to express themselves and make new friends through a cooperative gaming experience.
While games aren't a substitute for proper mental healthcare, there are many ways in which games like D&D offer benefits to players – beyond the fun of playing an enjoyable game with their friends.
8 Playing Cooperatively With Your Friends Reduces Competitiveness
Gaming with friends is a rewarding experience, especially during times where in-person social contact is limited. However, not everyone likes to play competitive games. They're especially stressful for those who don't want to play against their friends.
Consequently, Dungeons and Dragons is the perfect game for people looking for a cooperative game to share with their friends. While there are still moments of tension, instead of having to face them alone, players can solve problems using teamwork instead.
7 The Group Can Create A Safe Space To Game
In modern tabletop gaming, groups often get together in a 'Session Zero' to discuss their characters, the setting, and the types of stories they're hoping to tell. As a result, more and more players are using these sessions to discuss things like triggers, phobias, and other topics players might be uncomfortable seeing in-game. It's also important for players and Dungeon Masters to understand how players might not feel comfortable discussing these things in a group setting. Therefore, providing alternatives for players to express issues anonymously if they choose to is important.
Taking these opportunities goes a long way in creating a game that everyone finds enjoyable and comfortable. It allows players to invest fully in the story without worrying about potentially disruptive elements appearing in the game.
6 Dungeon Masters Can Adjust The Game For Their Players
While having a good discussion with the players about what types of elements they do and don't want to see in the game is important, the Dungeon Master is also in a unique position to adjust the game on the fly if they sense something isn't working.
There might be times where a certain player needs a win, or where the game might be taking too dark a turn for the current mood of the group. A savvy Dungeon Master who notices these nuances can do their best to address the issues before they ruin anyone's fun. It's important for Dungeon Masters and players to pay attention to others in the group and work together to make the game a comfortable and positive experience.
5 The Character Is A Medium To Explore Tense Situations
For many people, dealing with high stress and tense situations makes them extremely uncomfortable. These situations can cause a lot of anxiety, which sometimes spills over while playing games. Dungeons and Dragons often relies on tension to provide excitement and entertainment. However, similarly to other fantasy games, players can put a layer of separation between them and the stressful situation, which allows them to explore scenarios that might be too much in real life yet are manageable in a safe environment.
4 Players Can Find A Community Of Like-Minded Individuals
One of the most rewarding aspects of Dungeons and Dragons is the community. There are millions of players in the world, all united by a common love for the game. While every community has some toxic individuals, many people have made fast friendships through their shared appreciation of the game.
Finding a group of individuals to share a passion with can be hugely beneficial to people's mental health. It also provides important opportunities to socialize with like-minded individuals and develop friendships that last a lifetime. There are several options for players when it comes to finding others online, which is especially important when they're unable to find or meet with groups locally.
3 Characters And Their Players Become More Experienced
For players new to Dungeons and Dragons, the game can feel overwhelming. There's a seemingly huge amount of rules and mechanics one must learn to play the game properly. And while this isn't necessarily the case, it can prove daunting for people interested in the hobby.
For those who do take the plunge and decide to try their hand at the game, they soon realize how the game levels up alongside the players. As players learn new skills, so do their characters, and the challenges increase in difficulty. This allows even the most inexperienced player to slowly acclimatize to the game and learn the ropes while the stakes are low.
2 Characters Can Provide A Level Of Wish-Fulfillment
At its core, D&D is a game that lets players play a character who's very different from themselves. They may be more powerful, more confident, and more daring than the player sees themselves. This is a large part of why so many people enjoy the game.
Unlike other games, Dungeons and Dragons puts players in the shoes of their characters. As a result, playing such a character can help the player develop interpersonal skills. The low-pressure environment means the consequences are rarely on the players themselves. However, this might not always be the case, which is why it's important for players to maintain a level of separation between themselves and their character.
1 It Is An Outlet For Creativity And Expression
One of the most important and beneficial aspects of Dungeons and Dragons is how it allows players to creatively express themselves in a variety of ways – not only through their characters, but through art, world-building, and storytelling too.
Having fun and engaging social environments to express these aspects is a huge factor when it comes to increasing a person's well-being. And giving players a positive environment for self-expression and creativity is unique to tabletop gaming.