Prior work indicates that young people feel increasingly stressed, anxious, and sad [-]. Many educational systems have moved toward heightened testing, earlier introduction of complex curriculum, and an emphasis on standardized, measurable achievements [-]. Young people can feel pressured to perform well on standardized exams from a young age, which can foster a fear of failure and chronic stress [,]. Even outside of formal testing, parents and others often place a strong emphasis on high achievements, such as getting top grades or excelling in extracurricular activities [,]. Although setting goals can be positive, an overemphasis on competition rather than joy in the activity per se can lead to children developing anxiety and burnout. In addition, a growing number of young people have daily schedules packed with lessons, sports, and various extracurricular activities []. Although these can be rewarding, they often leave little room for imaginative free play or downtime, which are crucial elements of healthy emotional development and stress relief [].
Being constantly guided or supervised by adults can limit a young person’s ability to develop decision-making skills and self-confidence []. As a result, they may feel anxious when they do not have control or when they encounter new situations without adult direction [,]. Furthermore, young people nowadays have unprecedented access to social media, where they often may face cyberbullying, peer pressure, information overload, or unrealistic portrayals of others’ lives [,]. Constant comparison to curated online images can breed insecurity and anxiety [,,]. Further, from a young age, many children also hear about worldwide crises, such as pandemics, natural disasters, extreme violence, and climate change, through online 24/7 news cycles, television, or social media [-]. This constant influx of alarming information can create a sense of fear, disorientation, hopelessness, and uncertainty about the world [].
Moreover, young people often mirror the emotional climate of their household [,]. If parents are under significant financial or job-related stress, children may internalize those anxieties [-]. Moreover, shifts in the family structure, such as divorce, separation, or frequent relocations, can lead to insecurity and uncertainty, which contributes to elevated stress levels in young people [-]. Further, parents’ best intentions, such as trying to protect children from hardship, can sometimes lead to “helicopter” or “tiger” parenting [,-]. Often, children are expected to not only do well in school but also develop artistic talents, athletic achievements, and social popularity. The perceived need to “excel at everything” can be a significant source of anxiety [,] and existential worries in young people who, in essence, are still learning how to process big-picture problems [].
Overview of Open-World Games, Nostalgia, and Happiness in LifePlaying open-world video games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, can have several positive effects on an individual’s happiness and overall well-being. For instance, open-world games give players a high degree of control over their actions and how they experience the game world [,]. Moreover, the vast, interactive landscapes in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild encourage exploration, which can be deeply satisfying [,]. This mirrors the human desire for discovery and adventure, providing a sense of wonder and joy that can be rare in daily life.
Further, open-world video games offer an escape from everyday stressors [-]. The calming visuals of Hyrule, combined with the game’s music and the freedom to roam, can be soothing, acting as a form of stress relief. In addition, the act of playing can require full attention, akin to flow, where players are fully engaged in the present moment, which can reduce anxiety and increase happiness. Moreover, playing open-world games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild provides clear goals (eg, freeing the Divine Beasts or completing shrines, collecting Korok Seeds), which can give players a sense of purpose and progress, elements known to enhance life satisfaction. Furthermore, players can approach problems in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in multiple ways. Players often create their own stories or ways to interact with the game world, giving them a platform for personal narrative and expression.
Nostalgia is often characterized as a bittersweet emotional experience that arises when reflecting on memories from the past—typically those that carry personal significance or recall “the good old days” [-]. Nostalgia can affect people’s happiness and overall well-being in several ways [,,]. For instance, nostalgia can help people remember meaningful and treasured episodes in their lives, reinforcing values, personal milestones, and who they are at their core. This may offer a sense of continuity and grounding in a world that is often seen as increasingly complex and rapidly changing [,]. In times of stress, reflecting on cherished memories can foster optimism and hope [,]. Nostalgia may, thus, also increase a sense of belonging and connection, as reminiscing about events that a group or community experienced can strengthen group identity and foster unity. When people use nostalgic memories to celebrate who they have become and to highlight their strengths and resources, it may help boost self-esteem and gratitude in times of personal challenges and difficulty []. Reflection can become a catalyst for personal growth and contentment if channelled in a way that supports forward momentum. That is, nostalgia can be a comforting, identity-affirming experience that deepens social ties and personal meaning. Therefore, nostalgia can be a valuable tool for reaffirming one’s sense of meaning and purpose [].
Studio Ghibli films, such as works by Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service), may have a unique capacity to evoke nostalgia and foster a sense of happiness in viewers of all ages. The reasons behind this phenomenon range from the richly detailed animation and gentle storytelling to the deeper themes of community, family, and profound connection to nature. Films such as My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service often focus on the small, everyday wonders of life, such as playing in the countryside or sharing mealtime with family. By shining a spotlight on ordinary moments and turning them into something magical, Miyazaki’s works tap into a universal longing for the innocence and wonder of childhood. This kind of warmth can evoke nostalgia for times when people felt safe and cared for.
Although prior work shows heightened levels of anxiety, sadness, and depression among young people, questions surrounding how open-world games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and nostalgia, evoked by Studio Ghibli films, such as Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service, may impact young people’s happiness in life remain largely unanswered. Thus, in this study, we aimed to answer the following research question: How does playing an open-world game and nostalgia evoked by watching a Studio Ghibli film impact young people’s sense of exploration, calm, mastery and skill, purpose and meaning in life, and, ultimately, overall life happiness?
Background on Open-World Games and Nostalgia Evoked by Studio Ghibli FilmsEffects on Happiness in LifeOne of the most praised elements of open-world games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, is their vast, open-world landscape. Being able to freely roam lush forests, climb mountains, or glide across canyons provides a relaxing form of escapism (). The freedom to chart one’s own path fosters a sense of agency and control, which can be especially soothing in times of real-life stress or uncertainty [,]. Furthermore, the environments of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are filled with tranquil music, detailed natural landscapes, and a subdued color palette. Stopping by a quiet pond or cooking a meal under the stars in-game may momentarily transport the player away from daily stresses, letting them recharge mentally. In addition, although there is a main storyline, the game places few constraints on when or how one progresses. This encourages players to set their own pace. The act of wandering without immediate pressure to win can be liberating, as it allows for relaxation and personal goal setting rather than constant performance demands.
At the core of many Studio Ghibli films is a message of uplifting harmony, whether it is living peacefully alongside nature (as in My Neighbor Totoro; ) or finding your place in a new community (as in Kiki’s Delivery Service). These uplifting themes can be deeply comforting and can remind viewers of simple joys and quiet wonders in life. Studio Ghibli stories often highlight the extraordinary within the ordinary and, hence, put emphasis on everyday life’s magic. This perspective can encourage viewers to find small delights and moments of beauty in their own routines.
Both open-world games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and nostalgia evoked by Studio Ghibli films may inspire childlike wonder and a sense of discovery. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild frequently rewards curiosity. Stumbling upon hidden shrines, secrets, or quirky nonplayer characters creates a constant cycle of discovery. This taps into a childlike sense of wonder, where every cliff might hide a new vista and every cave might hold a surprise. Further, activities such as collecting ingredients, cooking new recipes, or just standing at a high vantage point to appreciate varied weather patterns and admire a scenic view encourage a slow and mindful approach to gameplay.
A hallmark of Studio Ghibli films is the breathtaking portrayal of nature—the rolling hills, forests, and gardens that appear onscreen (). Nature in these films is not just a backdrop; it is a character in its own right. Seeing characters treat the environment with reverence and kindness fosters a sense of harmony. This connection can remind viewers of the comfort and grounding effect that comes from being in tune with the natural world—a feeling many associate with childhood adventures and freedom.
Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild includes deserts, snow-capped mountains, tropical beaches, forests, and more. Each region has unique landscapes, weather patterns, and resources. The breathtaking vistas and day-night/weather cycles make exploration intrinsically rewarding. Standing on a mountaintop at sunrise to overlook Hyrule fosters a feeling of awe and accomplishment. Furthermore, the presence of 900 Korok Seeds rewards the smallest inklings of curiosity, whether it is lifting a seemingly random rock, diving off a peak into a hidden ring, or examining a peculiar formation of objects. These frequent, bite-size surprises reinforce an exploratory mindset, teaching players that small detours often lead to pleasant discoveries.
Studio Ghibli films open windows to worlds where magic coexists with ordinary life, inviting audiences to explore both physical and emotional landscapes with fresh eyes. By grounding fantastical elements in relatable, slice-of-life experiences, viewers are encouraged to look for wonder in the ordinary. Studio Ghibli films often center on young protagonists, such as Mei and Satsuki in My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki in Kiki’s Delivery Service. Their openness to discovery and excitement about new surroundings convey a sense of unfiltered curiosity. This perspective invites audiences, adults included, to reconnect with childlike wonder and remember what it felt like to explore the unknown with fresh enthusiasm. Rather than focusing on large-scale spectacles, these films linger on small, intimate moments. By spotlighting the beauty in small details, Studio Ghibli’s storytelling fosters an appreciation for the little wonders in day-to-day life, reminding viewers that exploration is not always about epic quests; indeed, it can be about noticing the world right in front of us.
Moreover, a hallmark of Miyazaki’s work is the deep reverence for nature. Trees, fields, rivers, clouds, and skies are lovingly portrayed as living, breathing elements. Studio Ghibli films subtly remind us that adventure can be found anywhere if we approach life with curiosity. This focus on venturing into the unknown and embracing challenges conveys the idea that exploration is both external (navigating a new environment) and internal (discovering who you are). Critically, these gentle, wonder-filled narratives do not emphasize grandiose heroics. Instead, they celebrate quieter forms of exploration, including making friends or learning how to navigate a new space. It is a reminder that exploration is often less about the destination and more about an attitude of open-minded curiosity. In doing so, they can inspire viewers to become explorers in their own lives, seeking out the hidden pockets of wonder that exist all around us.
Effects on a Sense of CalmOpen-world games provide a structured yet boundless space to take a break from real-life stressors. When individuals are immersed in Link’s journey and the vastness of Hyrule, daily frustrations may feel more distant. This timeout can give people a chance to process emotions and reset. Watching a sunrise in the game, sheltering from a rainstorm, or stargazing at night can feel almost meditative. These small, ambient details anchor players to calm moments and encourage them to pause and appreciate the virtual world. Moreover, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild allows individuals to tackle challenges in multiple ways, often rewarding creative problem solving more than raw skill. People can bypass certain obstacles or find clever solutions using runes. This flexibility reduces the frustration that can come from being stuck in a linear progression. In addition, the soft, often minimalistic soundtrack uses gentle piano and nature sounds, fostering a peaceful ambiance that can help soothe an angry or anxious mind.
Even when confronted with difficulties—a lost broom, a sick parent, or initial loneliness in a new town, Studio Ghibli’s young heroes maintain hope and kindness. Seeing them overcome these challenges encourages a positive mind set in viewers, reminding them of their own capacity for resilience. Studio Ghibli narratives are often propelled by acts of empathy, such as neighbors helping neighbors, spirits offering aid, and strangers becoming friends. In My Neighbor Totoro, for instance, the forest spirits show concern for the sisters, and the father’s understanding approach to parenting enriches the film’s sense of warmth. This kindhearted environment fosters a safe, comforting world that puts emphasis not on overdramatization of emotions but on kindness as a driving force ().
Earning better weapons, upgrading one’s armor, and increasing one’s “hearts” or stamina wheel visibly reflect the effort put in by a player. This tangible growth fosters a feeling of skill advancement, as players see Link literally become stronger. Finding a Korok Seed, cooking a successful new recipe, or completing a shrine are all microrewards. Collectively, these frequent small wins build a consistent loop of effort→reward, reinforcing a sense of competence. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, players face numerous challenges that require problem solving, perseverance, and creativity. The game normalizes “failing forward,” such as dying to a Lynel, and then refining strategies. This mirrors Kiki’s journey of overcoming self-doubt and the sisters’ adventures in My Neighbor Totoro to find their mother. These narratives collectively teach resilience, adaptability, and the value of personal growth, which are integral to finding purpose and sustaining happiness. Both gaming and the films celebrate learning from one’s mistakes. This can encourage individuals to view their life’s challenges as opportunities for development rather than setbacks.
Effects on a Sense of Purpose and MeaningOpen-world games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Studio Ghibli films may do more than entertain; they can offer players a profound sense of purpose and meaning.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s classic “hero’s journey” storyline resonates with deeply rooted myths about overcoming adversity. Engaging with these archetypal narratives can prompt a sense of mission: players feel they are contributing to a cause bigger than themselves, even if it is within a fictional world. This “bigger than self” feeling can be deeply meaningful. Furthermore, many players find calm and meditative moments in the game by simply riding through open fields, quietly gathering resources, or watching sunrises atop tall peaks. These peaceful interludes can trigger introspection and help players engage with inner thoughts. The sense of wonder generated can remind people that there is more to life than daily stressors, instilling renewed purpose.
Instead of intense battles, Studio Ghibli films often focus on internal struggles (eg, Kiki’s loss of confidence, Satsuki’s and Mei’s anxiety about their mother’s health; ). In so doing, the stories highlight how purpose emerges from the personal growth that comes from confronting self-doubt, fear, or sorrow. Studio Ghibli protagonists find value in simple daily tasks (), delivering goods, tidying up a house, or taking care of siblings. These ordinary moments become opportunities to strengthen relationships, contribute to the community, and experience quiet joy. This gentle reminder that purpose can be found in common routines, by embracing curiosity, wonder, and a respect for the unseen or unexplored aspects of life, may encourage viewers to reassess the significance of their own everyday actions.
Hence, through intimate storytelling, focus on personal growth, and a compassionate depiction of community and nature, Studio Ghibli films gently guide viewers toward a greater awareness of what truly matters in life. By showcasing characters who discover meaning in acts of kindness, self-discovery, and a loving relationship with the world around them, these films inspire audiences to seek out or rekindle their own sense of purpose, whether through connection with others, appreciation of the every day, or a renewed embrace of their own unique gifts.
The completed CONSORT-SPI (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials for Social and Psychological Interventions) 2018 checklist for reporting randomized trials of social and psychological interventions is shared in . We registered our randomized control study with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) registry (ISRCTN 14757739). More specifically, as part of this study, we used a 2 (playing an open-world game vs no open-world game) × 2 (nostalgia vs no nostalgia) between-subject experimental design. In spring 2025, posters and flyers were used on a university campus to recruit postgraduate university students to take part in a study on daily activities and well-being over the course of 3 weeks. All study participants were randomly allocated to 1 of the 4 study conditions using a random number generator:
Condition 1: playing an open-world game + nostalgiaCondition 2: playing an open-world game + no nostalgiaCondition 3: no open-world game + nostalgiaCondition 4 (control group): no open-world game + no nostalgiaWe conducted the study in a lab experimental setting on a university campus. In condition 1, participants were invited to spend 30 minutes to play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode. After 30 minutes of video gameplay, the participants were invited to watch a brief 7-minute clip from a Studio Ghibli film (randomly assigned so that some participants watched My Neighbor Totoro and others watched Kiki’s Delivery Service). Finally, the participants completed a brief questionnaire.
In condition 2, participants were invited to spend 30 minutes to play the open-world game as in Condition 1. After having played the game for 30 minutes, participants in condition 2 completed the brief questionnaire.
In condition 3, participants were randomly allocated to watch a brief 7-minute clip from either Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro or Kiki’s Delivery service and subsequently complete a brief questionnaire.
Finally, in condition 4 (control group), participants simply completed the brief questionnaire.
Ethical ConsiderationsEthical approval was received from Kyushu Sangyo University’s Ethics Committee (approval number 2024-0017). All study participants were informed that the data collected will only be used to inform academic research. Further, they were reassured that data will be anonymized and treated with strict confidentiality. In addition, participants were told that they are free to stop and withdraw from the study at any time and without giving a reason. They were also informed that the data from participants who stop early will not be used as part of the study. Written consent forms were obtained from all study participants after they were offered an information leaflet, and time (minimum of 24 hours) for consideration of whether to take part in the study was allowed. Each study participant was thanked and received US $5 as a token of gratitude.
Participants and ProcedureA total of 530 university postgraduate students took part in this study. Twelve participants decided to stop and withdraw from the study during the data collection process. The data from the participants who decided to withdraw were not used as part of the study analyses. Hence, we obtained an effective total number of 518 (97.7%) participants for the study (condition 1: n=129, 24.9%; condition 2: n=130, 25.1%; condition 3: n=130, 25.1%; condition 4: n=129, 24.9%). Across all 4 conditions, participants answered a brief questionnaire, with responses scored on a 9-item Likert scale (from 1=strongly disagree to 9=strongly agree) capturing participants’ overall life happiness; sense of exploration, calm, mastery and skill, and purpose and meaning in life; and the manipulation check questions for nostalgia.
As controls, we captured participants’ enjoyment of the video game in conditions 1 and 2 (“I very much enjoyed playing the video game,” “I found playing the video game to be interesting”; r=0.76), enjoyment of the Studio Ghibli film clip in conditions 1 and 3 (“I enjoyed watching the film clip,” “I did not like the film clip very much” [reverse coding]; r=0.71), familiarity with the video game in conditions 1 and 2 (“I am very familiar with the video game,” “I know the story of this video game very well”; r=0.81), and familiarity with the film in conditions 1 and 3 (“I am very familiar with the characters in the film,” “I know the story of the characters in the film very well”; r=0.77), with anchors 1=strongly disagree to 9=strongly agree. The controls did not affect the results and thus are not discussed further.
Statistical AnalysisWe checked measurement items and support for convergent validity and specifically examined whether the estimates for the average variance extracted (AVE) were indeed higher than the recommended threshold of 0.50 [,]. In addition, we examined the possibility that measurement errors may vary across items and calculated and compared the AVE for all pairs of constructs under investigation to the squared correlation between the 2 constructs of interest []. Moreover, we examined Cronbach α and composite reliability (CR) values. We conducted ANOVA as part of our manipulation checks for nostalgia and univariate analyses using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0. To examine the potential synergistic effect of nostalgia on the effects of open-world games on a sense of exploration, calm, skill and purpose, and overall happiness in life, we conducted an exploratory bootstrapping-based moderated mediation analysis (model 8) with 5000 resamples [].
shows the participant selection flowchart.
Analysis results showed that the AVE exceeded the recommended threshold of 0.50 [,]. Moreover, the squared correlation between any pair of constructs was not higher than the respective AVE for each of the constructs in the pair, in support of discriminant validity []. In addition, Cronbach α and CR values were high. Detailed measurement items are listed in .
aAVE: average variance extracted.
bCR: composite reliability.
Manipulation ChecksA 2 × 2 ANOVA on the manipulation check confirmed that the manipulation of nostalgia was indeed successful. As expected, participants in the nostalgia-induced conditions indicated higher feelings of nostalgia (mean [M]nostalgia 6.61, SD 1.87) compared to those in conditions where nostalgia was not induced (Mnonostalgia 3.77, SD 2.15; F(1, 517)=257.38, P<.001). No significant effects of playing the video game (F(1, 517)=0.124, P=.73) or game × nostalgia interaction (F(1, 517)=0.582, P=.45) were observed.
Cell Means and Univariate AnalysesThis study explored the positive effect of playing open-world games on overall happiness (Mplayedgame 4.563, SD 0.072, vs Mnotplayedgame 3.170, SD 0.072; F(1, 517)=117.246, P<.001). The study results also showed a significant and positive impact of nostalgia evoked by watching Studio Ghibli films, such as Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service on happiness. Playing video games had a positive impact on happiness, and the effect was enhanced when nostalgia was induced (Mnostalgia 5.45, SD 0.102, vs Mnonostalgia 3.58, SD 0.102; SE=0.144, 95% CI 1.332-1.900, P<.001). -5 present univariate analysis results and cell means comparing the effects.
Table 2. Results on happiness (dependent variable): study cell means estimates.Video game playedNostalgia inducedMean (SD)SE (95% CI)NoNo2.409 (0.98)0.102 (2.208-2.610)NoYes3.931 (1.08)0.102 (3.731-4.131)YesNo3.579 (1.18)0.102 (3.379-3.779)YesYes5.547 (1.37)0.102 (5.345-5.748)Table 3. Effect of video gameplay on happiness (dependent variable): cell means comparisons (based on estimated marginal means).Video game playedNostalgia (I)Nostalgia (J)Mean difference (I – J)SE (95% CI)P valueNoNoYes–1.522a0.144 (–1.806 to –1.238)<.001YesNoYes–1.968a0.144 (–2.251 to –1.684)<.001aThe mean difference was significant at the .05 level.
Table 4. Effect of nostalgia on happiness (dependent variable): cell means comparisons (based on estimated marginal means).NostalgiaVideo game played (I)Video game played (J)Mean difference (I – J)SE (95% CI)P valueNoNoYes–1.170a0.144 (–1.454 to –0.886)<.001YesNoYes–1.616a0.144 (–1.900 to –1.332)<.001aThe mean difference was significant at the .05 level.
Table 5. Results on happiness (dependent variable): univariate test results.ConditionSum of squaresMean squareF(1, 514)P valueVideo game not playedaNot applicable.
Exploratory Moderated MediationTo examine the effect of nostalgia on playing video games and happiness in life, we conducted an exploratory bootstrapping-based moderated mediation analysis with 5000 resamples (model 8) []. The analysis was conducted with happiness as the dependent variable; whether the participant played or did not play a video game as the independent variable; a sense of exploration, calm, skill and mastery, and purpose and meaning as mediating variables; and whether nostalgia was or was not induced as the moderator variable. The sample size was 518. Detailed results are presented in -. The detailed results showed that the effect of playing video games on happiness is mediated by a sense of exploration (effect=0.11, SE=0.05, 95% CI 0.04-0.21; -8), a sense of calm (effect=0.32, SE=0.09, 95% CI 0.15-0.51; -11), a sense of skill and mastery (effect=0.08, SE=0.05, 95% CI 0.01-0.18; 2-14), and a sense of purpose and meaning (effect=0.32, SE=0.14, 95% CI 0.06-0.60; 5-17). 8 shows the means for key constructs across the 4 study conditions. Together, these results highlight the importance of playing video games and nostalgia on happiness, through a sense of exploration, calm, skill and mastery, and purpose and meaning.
Table 6. Regression results with a sense of exploration as a mediator.Dependent variable and predictorsBSE (95% CI)t Test (df)P valueSense of exploration (R=0.64, R²=0.40, mean standard error=2.47, F(3, 514)=116.28, P<.001)aIndex of moderated mediation: index=0.11, BootSE=0.0450 (95% CI 0.04-0.21).
Table 9. Regression results with a sense of calm as a mediator.Dependent variable and predictorsBSE (95% CI)t Test (df)P valueSense of calm (R=0.71, R²=0.51, mean standard error=2.62,F(3, 514)=175.46, P<.001)aIndex of moderated mediation: index=0.32, BootSE=0. 0903 (95% CI 0.15-0.51).
Table 12. Regression results with a sense of skill and mastery as a mediator.Dependent variable and predictorsBSE (95% CI)t Test (df)P valueSense of skill and mastery (R=0.50, R²=0.25, mean standard error=3.28, F(3, 514)=58.23,P<.001)aIndex of moderated mediation: index=0.08, BootSE=0.0448 (95% CI 0.01-0.18).
Table 15. Regression results with a sense of purpose and meaning as a mediator.Dependent variable and predictorsBSE (95% CI)t Test (df)P valueSense of purpose and meaning (R=0.39, R²=0.16, mean standard error=4.02, F(3, 514)=31.89, P<.001)
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