2023 Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry

2023 Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry

The 2023 report details America’s relationship with video games and the reasons why games continue to inspire and delight us all. Play is a universal need for kids as well as adults. Video games build community, keep our minds sharp and bring us closer to others. Embracing the power of games unlocks our extraordinary potential, transforming lives — and the world.

Everyone Plays

01

Video games are one of America’s most beloved pastimes. No matter your interest, there is a video game you will love. So, it’s no surprise that so many people choose to play.

VIDEO GAME PLAYERS ARE DIVERSE

0 %
of adults (18+) play video games
0 %
of kids (under 18) play video games
0
is the average age of a video game player
0 %
of video game players identify as male
0 %
of video game players identify as female

45% of players agree...

that video games give them the most value for their money compared to movies, TV or music.

The top 5 game genres for all players are...

Puzzles: 63%
Arcade & Other: 52%
Skill & Chance: 44%
Shooter: 42%
Action: 41%

DEVICE USAGE

Mobile
64%
Console
54%
PC/Laptop
45%
Tablet
24%
VR Headset
10%

PLAYER ENGAGEMENT

20 %
play at least 4 hours of games a week, across all platform
0
average hours played a week
20 %
of players only play on smartphones
0 %
of video game players use multiple platforms

the Benefits of Play

02

Games don’t simply entertain. They also create opportunities to sharpen our skills and stimulate our minds. Video games are seen as a tool for building problem-solving skills, teamwork and collaboration, communication, conflict resolution and leadership skills.

Games Have Benefits

Americans who view games as beneficial 96%

Americans say that video games...

20 %
BRING PEOPLE JOY
39 %
PROVIDE MENTAL STIMULATION
10 %
PROVIDE STRESS RELIEF
50 %
HELP IMPROVE COGNITIVE SKILLS
10 %
CREATE A FEELING OF COMMUNITY

Building Community Through Play

Gamers who play with others 80%
0 %
SAY GAMES EXPAND THEIR SOCIAL CIRCLES
0 %
SAY GAMES INTRODUCE US TO NEW FRIENDS AND RELATIONSHIPS
0 %
PARENTS PLAY VIDEO GAMES WITH THEIR CHILDREN
0 %
SAY GAMES HELP STAY CONNECTED TO FRIENDS/FAMILY
0 %
HAVE MET A GOOD FRIEND, SPOUSE OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER THROUGH VIDEO GAMES

PARENTS AND KIDS

03

A vast majority of parents make all/most of the content decisions for their kids (78%), while others opt for a hybrid approach that involves their kids (17%). Either way, parents continue to play a key role in determining which games are okay for their kids to enjoy!

Among parents who have children who play games:

are aware of ESRB ratings
84%
regularly use ESRB ratings
74%

BUSINESS OF GAMES

04

Total U.S. consumer spend on video games for 2022: $56.6 billion

Console Sales: $6.57 billion
Content Sales: $47.5 billion
Accessories: $2.5 billion

download the full 2023 essential facts about the U.S. video game industry report

Download our previous year's Essential Facts reports