The COVID 19 pandemic has kept people inside and playing video games more then ever, and according to research at the University of Saskatchewan, that may be a good thing.

USask Computer Scientist Dr. Regan Mandryk says certain games can promote mental wellness during these trying times.

She says video games can help us recover from stress by providing things like an escape from what’s going on around us, relaxation opportunities, mastery of challenges and helping us to feel like we’re exerting control over our environment.  Multiplayer games, Mandryk suggests, can also help us get social interaction during these times of social isolation.

Mandryk explains games can cause benefits or harm to a player depending on their circumstances and people should consider the value they are getting out of their game-play.

Mandryk says if you leave your game-play feeling restored and ready to tackle the day, it’s a good thing.  However, if you find yourself playing a game instead of any other activities, that can be problematic, or if the game leaves you feeling frustrated and angry, it may be time to put down the controller and do something else.

Dr. Mandryk adds that parents are really worried about kids getting too much screen time.  She says if if kids are getting some sort of social value from playing with friends online, they shouldn’t feel guilty about it, during these trying times.