Playing "Super Mario" reduces symptoms of depression

A German study found that playing the three-dimensional "Super Mario Odyssey" significantly reduced symptoms of depression compared to participants who used the computer-based training program "CogPack" or received standard treatment. Co-morbidities were reduced by almost half, these results were published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry. It was also found that the group who used the 3D video game had higher levels of training motivation.

"The findings suggest that video game training may be a cost-effective and feasible intervention for patients with MDD that can be used in conjunction with regular treatment and therapy," the study concluded.

Super Mario Bros. - is a series of computer games in the platformer genre. It was launched by the Japanese company Nintendo in 1985. It was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most popular game in the world.