Video games are the most popular form of entertainment in the world. But sometimes, their influence can go beyond the screen — into real life. This surprising condition is known as Game Transfer Phenomenon (GTP).
What Happened to Christian Dines?
Christian Dines, a sustainability advisor in the US, noticed something strange. After spending hours gaming, his hands started twitching as if he was still holding a controller. He also felt an urge to “collect” real-world objects like he would in a game. The game had ended, but the effects lingered.
“It only lasted a couple of days,” he said. “But it was disorienting and weird.”
What Is Game Transfer Phenomenon?
Game Transfer Phenomenon (GTP) happens when a person starts to think, feel, or behave as if they’re still inside a video game — even when they’re not playing. The term was first introduced by Angelica Ortiz de Gortari, a psychologist from the University of Bergen, Norway.
She once found herself imagining she was looking at supermarket items through a sniper scope — a clear example of GTP.
Why Does GTP Happen?
GTP is like getting a song stuck in your head, but stronger. It happens because gaming activates parts of the brain linked to self-control, decision-making, and memory. These areas remain active even after the game ends.
Ortiz de Gortari says this effect is more powerful with video games than with TV or music. That’s because games require interaction and deep focus, especially in games like RPGs or first-person shooters.
How Do People Experience GTP?
Gamers have reported seeing health bars floating over people’s heads, like in the game World of Warcraft. Some say the colors in real life look like those in a game world. Others act out game moves without meaning to — like reaching for imaginary buttons.
In one case, a gamer felt like they were “shooting” items in a supermarket with invisible weapons.
How Common Is It?
In a 2024 study of 623 gamers in China, Ortiz de Gortari found that 82% to 96% had experienced some form of GTP. She has collected cases from over 400 different games. While GTP is usually harmless and temporary, it can still be disturbing.
Can GTP Be Dangerous?
So far, no physical harm has been linked to GTP. But it could be risky in some situations — like imagining a fight scene while driving, for example. Some gamers feel urges that are completely out of place in real life.
Researchers believe that people who are more likely to experience GTP often have lower working memory, get less sleep, or deal with stress, anxiety, or depression.
GTP and the Real-World Connection
Ali Farha, a senior game producer at Star Stable Entertainment, says he has experienced GTP too — but in a mild form. He believes it’s important to take breaks, especially after long gaming sessions. Reading a book or watching something light can help.
Interestingly, he adds that GTP is a two-way street. Just as games affect real life, real-life emotions also shape how we play. Some gamers even feel lonely inside online multiplayer games, even though they’re full of other people.
How Deep Does the Effect Go?
Max Dzmitryiev, a counselor and gamer, said he once saw his surroundings as if they were made from Minecraft blocks — just by watching someone else play. For him, GTP can last up to an hour and feel overwhelming. That’s why he avoids VR games now.
He explains that GTP can linger for days and pop up without warning. It’s not just about playing too much; it’s about how deeply the game affects a person’s mind.
Should Game Developers Do Something About It?
Ortiz de Gortari believes that the gaming industry should acknowledge GTP and raise awareness. Just like games warn about flashing lights for epilepsy, they could warn about GTP for a small group of players.
Christian Dines agrees. He supports the idea of a warning label, especially for immersive or long-playing games.
Not Everyone Agrees on the Risk
Nick Ballou, a researcher at the University of Oxford, worries that highlighting GTP too much might create fear. He says that for most people, gaming is positive — a way to relax, connect with others, and build confidence.
His upcoming study uses data from major gaming platforms to better understand both the good and bad effects of gaming.
What Does the Future Hold?
Ortiz de Gortari says we already have enough proof that GTP is real. Now, it’s time to understand why it happens. She hopes future brain studies will unlock the science behind it.
For now, one thing is clear: games are powerful. They don’t just stay on screen — sometimes, they come with us into the real world.
