Whether TTRPGs, MMORPGs, board games, video games or solo games…recreational games have the means to improve your overall mental health. As an avid gamer of various kinds over the years and having friends and housemates who game in various ways, I have found there is a meaningful intersection between gaming in community to be helpful for one’s mental health.
For your 2025, consider making a goal to see if a game night (of any kind) is good for you. I’ll list a few places one can pursue games and/or game nights followed by a list of benefits for making time to relate/connect with fellow gamers who might become your new best friends/supports.
First, check out these local organizations/businesses for your future gaming opportunities:
Side Quest Books & Games A well stocked and diverse space, Caroline’s store in Bow Market, Somerville, MA has indie games, events, and activities.
Danger Wizard Allan runs a great community space for one-off games of Dungeons and Dragons as well as other TTRPG related events.
Pandemonium Books and Games Located in Central Sq, Cambridge, MA…check them out for a diversity of gaming needs as well as game nights of various kinds whether Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, Warhammer, Digimon and more.
Tavern of Tales For a Boston side of the river activity, check out this great game cafe with food, drinks and games you can borrow to play or purchase. Private rooms are also available to run your game night.
Knight’s Move Board Game Cafe Thinking of gaming in the Brookline area? This game cafe has a great coffee shop vibe and all the games you and your friends would want to play or try.
So you found a place to play such as your home or one of the above places for community, but why would a game night be a good idea for your mental health wellness? Here are a few reasons that start with the letter “S”:
Stress management: When spending time with friends and playing games, the act of doing a recreational activity like gaming can reduce stress and increase positive mood - regardless of winning or losing.
Self-esteem building: There can be great joy and satisfaction in playing a game. It isn’t uncommon that after completing a game to feel good about oneself because you won, contributed to winning or celebrated someone else’s success.
Social connection: Whether playing a party game, group game or solo game with the company of friends in the same room, players can foster social connection through a shared experience of seeing something through.
Solution making: The objectives of games can vary. Some of them emphasize solving a problem and finding a solution. When an answer is developed and the game progresses/concludes, players can find great reward in solving a tricky puzzle or situation in-game.
Lou Lim, LMHC, REAT is a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) with a master's degree in Expressive Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. He is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and on the committee for REAT credentialing. He has 13 years of experience in counseling and expressive therapy working with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, and retirees.
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