Playing 'Super Mario' and 'Yoshi' may prevent youth burnout

A study conducted by researchers from Imperial College London and Kyushu Sangyo University in the UK has shown that playing games such as '

https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e84219/

Super Mario Bros. help fight burnout: Study links classic games to boosted happiness
https://phys.org/news/2025-12-super-mario-bros-burnout-links.html

The constant pressures and constant need to be online can rob young people of their time to relax. Playing video games is known to provide a sense of relief and relaxation, but the impact of popular games like 'Super Mario Bros.' on the risk of burnout among young people is unknown.

These games are popular worldwide and combine tasks such as spatial navigation, timing, and problem-solving, potentially drawing users' attention away from real-world stress and drawing them into the game world. Furthermore, the storylines of Mario and Yoshi, who persevere and overcome obstacles to achieve their goals, are positive and clear, which may be effective in reducing stress and improving mood.

The research team states, 'Therefore, the Super Mario Bros. and Yoshi series may serve as an antidote to burnout by creating a virtual space that is psychologically the opposite of the environment that causes burnout.'

The research team conducted exploratory, in-depth interviews with 41 university students who had played Super Mario Bros. or Yoshi. The interviews delved into their thoughts about these games, the impact they have on their daily lives, how they feel while playing them, the benefits they derive from playing them, and why they play them.

The survey results showed that college students viewed 'Super Mario Bros.' and 'Yoshi' as 'enhancing childlike curiosity and enhancing happiness in life.' They also reported that playing games offered a refreshing respite from academic pressure and the constant demands of the digital world.

The study also recruited 336 college students who had played Super Mario Bros. or Yoshi and asked them to answer a series of questions designed to measure burnout. Respondents also completed a survey to gauge what pleasure and stimulation they received from playing the games.

Consistent with the initial findings, the researchers found that people who experienced greater childlike wonder while playing games also reported greater overall happiness, and that happier players were at significantly lower risk of burnout.

'This study suggests that the key to combating burnout in young adults may lie not only in traditional wellness strategies but also in restoring joy,' said study author Professor Andreas Eisingerich of Imperial College London. 'Games like Super Mario Bros. and Yoshi could be a powerful antidote to the cynicism and ennui that characterize burnout.'