The phrase "it's only a game" gets thrown around a lot but for many, FIFA has a whole lot of significance.
The virtual football game provides a sense of escapism in a time where it feels like there isn't much to enjoy at all and there's a never-ending nothingness.
And a study from Censuwide in October well and truly highlighted just how beneficial playing FIFA can be for players.
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They took a representative sample of 1,001 UK adults who play FIFA at least once per week and it uncovered the game isn't just a way for people to blow off steam.
56 per cent revealing that playing FIFA gives them a chance to have meaningful conversations with family and friends. Key topics include family life (32 per cent), relationship advice (24 per cent) and mental health (20 per cent).
The same study found that three quarters (71 per cent) of gaming Brits admit that playing FIFA with friends is their most common method of socialising.
However, it does also note that 33 per cent of players admitted losing a game would ruin their day, as well of 27 per cent of people who took part in the survey confessing to being involved in bizarre FIFA forfeits over the years.
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But sticking with the positives, The University Of Leeds, in collaboration with Casino.org did a deep dive into what goes on in the body, revealing that playing a game of FIFA shows a reduction in stress and anxiety for everyone.
"When a goal was scored there was a spike in heart rate, this tended to be higher when the opposition scored which is indicative of a surge in emotion," a press release explained.
"All players demonstrated an increase in heart rate whilst playing the game. Heart rate responses were more elevated across the board when playing against an unknown player, reaching levels of a moderate cardio workout when goals were scored on either side."
An important story to shed light on is the one of Lewis Salmon, a 24-year-old from West Midlands who was struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
In a dark place, it was FIFA that helped him become much happer.
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"It gave me relief from all the darkness and anxiety," he told SPORTbible.
"Even if it was for a few hours, I felt free. It kept my mind occupied, whether it be "doing SBCs, trading or actually playing the game.
"Ultimate Team took my head away from all the darkness and and gave me something to live for.
"I can genuinely say FIFA had a huge impact on helping me recover. Imagine three months of pure darkness and nothingness, then you find something that helps.
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"FIFA is amazing. I see so many people complain and slate the game so much. I wonder why they play it. It's one of the games I will always come back to. I love how it's linked with real life in forms of stadiums and players.
"It's not just a game that helps you escape reality. It helped me integrate back into reality when I lost touch."
Here's a list of the leading mental health helplines and services that are just a call away in the UK:
- Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will talk to you about anything that's bothering you. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email [email protected] or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Welsh Language Line on 0300 123 3011 from 7pm to 11pm every day.
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- The Mix take calls from under 25s on 0808 808 4994 from Sunday to Friday, 2pm to 11pm. You can request support by email using the form on The Mix website or using their crisis text messenger service.
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK is there for under 35s struggling with suicidal feelings, or those who are concerned about a young person who might be struggling. You can call them on 0800 068 4141 on weekdays from 9am to 10pm, on weekends from 2pm to 10pm, and on bank holidays from 2pm to 10pm. You can also email [email protected] or text 07786 209 697.
- The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) caters specifically to males on 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm to midnight every day. Alternatively, you can use their webchat service.
- The Nightline website allows students to see if their university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
- Switchboard is there for people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and can be reached on 0300 330 0630 from 10am to 10pm every day. You can also email here or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
- The Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L). is available for those who live in Wales and can be contacted on 0800 132 737, which is open 24/7. You can also text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.
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