Power of Play – Global Report 2023

People tend to think of video games exclusively as entertainment. But as the industry continues to evolve in scope and technology, there is a growing discussion around the benefits of playing video games that go beyond having fun. For the first time, national trade associations (NTAs) serving the video game industry around the world issued a survey to look at the behaviors and interests of nearly 13,000 players (ages 16 and older) across 12 countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

What We learned

For the first time, national trade associations (NTAs) serving the video game industry around the world issued a survey to look at the behaviors and interests of players. The survey found that playing games is about far more than entertainment.

Top reasons to play

69%

To have fun

63%

To pass time

63%

For stres relief/relaxation

Games Support Mental Health

Playing Games

Research surveys have identified that playing video games helps people lift their moods.

Feel less stressed

71%

Feel less anxious

61%

Feel less isolated/lonely

58%

Globally, players say that playing video games reduces stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation.

Games Make People Happy

More than half of players around the world say that playing video games provides them with a healthy outlet, helps them feel happier and helps them navigate difficult times.

70%

Provides me with a health outlet for everyday challenges

63%

Helps me feel happier

53%

Helps me get through difficult times in my life

Games Bolster Mental Health

As video games become increasingly popular online meeting places, researchers have begun looking at how they impact our mental health.

Games Boost Cognitive Skills

Video games have always been associated with storytelling and escapism, but researchers are increasingly finding that games can help bolster key cognitive skills and even slow the effects of memory loss. A study published in Nature Human Behavior found that even just a couple hours of gameplay a week can help improve attention, control and reading.

“Engaging with arts and culture online can improve mental health in young people,” reducing psychological distress.

– Oxford University study, 2022, Sheriff & Vuorre, 2022

“The effects are thus long-term, in line with the action video game strengthening the ability to learn how to learn.”

– Nature Human Behavior study, 2022

Games are Social

Playing video games is a powerful way to connect with others. Half of global gamers play with others online on a weekly basis and more than a third play with other people in person.

“Video games provide a unique environment in which individuals can play with a very wide range of other people with scarcely any boundary including across age, sex, language or location.”

– Computers in Human Behavior study, 2018