Jane Barnett of Middlesex University in London claims people are more relaxed after playing World of Warcraft. She conducted a study of just under 300 WoW players between the age of 12 and 83 and found “there were actually higher levels of relaxation before and after playing the game as opposed to experiencing anger but this did very much depend on personality type.”
Barnett claims, “This will help us to develop an emotion and gaming questionnaire to help distinguish the type of gamer who is likely to transfer their online aggression into everyday life.”
She will showcase her findings at the British Psychological Society’s Annual Conference being held in Dublin.
So, there you have it: A laid back, mostly non-violent game doesn’t frustrate or anger those who play it. A shocking revelation, to be certain. Perhaps next time she’ll study the affects of Manhunt on convicted killers.
‘Violent’ games can lower anger says one UK university researcher [Strategy Informer]