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Data and Resources

National Survey

U.S. Veterans Say Video Games Support Their Mental Health and Well-Being

A new national survey reveals video games help veterans manage stress, build connections, and enhance their well-being — both during and after military service. Explore how play supports those who served.

https://www.theesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/iStock-472986670.mp4

Veterans say video gaming plays a powerful role in their lives.

86%
Video games provide me with a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety
81%
Playing video games has helped me cope with difficult times in my life
77%
I believe video games have had a positive impact on my life post-military service
77%
Video games provide a valuable means of connecting with others
76%
Video games provide a valuable means of staying connected with friends
74%
Video game communities have had a positive impact on my mental and emotional well-being

79% of veterans are playing with others at least weekly, including friends, family, and other service members.

Who They Play With

Video games are a source of relief, connection, and community for veterans.

Why They Play
0%
Entertainment
0%
Relaxation
0%
Stress Relief
0%
Escaping Reality
0%
Spending Time with Family

“We have long seen the benefits of video games beyond entertainment and this new data offers an especially compelling example of the power of play. We take great pride in the positive impact of video game play in supporting mental health, fostering social connections and enhancing overall well-being, and it’s deeply rewarding to know these benefits are felt by those who have served our country.”


— ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis


Veterans tend to favor consoles over PCs and smartphones, and they engage with a wide variety of game genres.

Genres Played Most Often
Active Video Game Platforms

1+ hours per week

74%
Console
63%
PC and/or Laptop
62%
Smartphone
18%
Handheld Game Device

VETERAN VIDEO GAMER PROFILE

On average, a veteran video gamer is a 37-year-old man who is college-educated, employed full-time, and married with children at home. He was enlisted and served an average of six years.

Average Age
Gender
0%
Male
0%
Female
Employment
Full-time employed
72%
Part-time employed
9%
Self employed
4%
Unemployed
4%
Other
11%
Education
College or some college
71%
Graduate degree
21%
HS graduate or less
8%
Marital Status
Married
61%
Single, never married
23%
Divorced or separated
9%
Living with a partner
7%
Widowed
1%
Parental Status
Not a parent or guardian
27%
At least one child under 18
67%
At least one child over 18
13%
Length of Service
Rank E1-9 When Service Ended
90%
Combat Veteran

 “Every day, I see first-hand the positive impacts video games have on veterans and service members. Video games have proven to be a powerful tool for stress relief, a way to connect with friends and fellow service members and a positive outlet for relaxation and mental health.” 

— Stephen Machuga
A veteran and founder & executive director of Stack Up, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veteran’s mental health through video gaming


Reflections on Active Duty

While on active duty, video games offered relief, connection, and a boost in morale and camaraderie.

85%
Playing video games allowed me to escape the stressors of military life temporarily
85%
Video games helped me relax and unwind after completing military duties
80%
I balanced video games against other activities like working out and hanging out with my friends
78%
Playing video games with my fellow military members strengthened our camaraderie
78%
Playing video games during downtime boosted my morale while I was deployed
73%
Video games served as an effective tool for fostering teamwork and cooperation

70% played with others at least weekly during active duty

Who They Played With

On active duty, they played to have fun, relax, and relieve stress.

Why They Play
0%
Entertainment
0%
Relaxation
0%
Stress Relief
0%
Escape Reality
0%
Connect with Friends from Military

Download the Fact Sheet

Survey Methodology: YouGov conducted an online survey among 22- to 50-year-old pc/console video gamers in the U.S. from January 14-27, 2025 to understand the impact and role of video games in the lives of U.S. veterans. Sample size = 1,096 veteran video gamers, 508 non-veteran video gamers.

Other resources

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2024 Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry

Learn about America’s relationship with video games and the reasons why games continue to inspire and delight us all.

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Economic Impact of the Video Game Industry

350,000+ jobs are supported directly and indirectly by the video game industry.

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2024 Economic Impact Report

The U.S. video game industry generated $101 billion in annual economic output in 2024 while supporting nearly 350,000 U.S. jobs.

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Power of Play – Global Report 2023

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.

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