Physical and mental health
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.
Power of Play 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 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.
Global players agreed that “having fun” is the number one reason they play games, but also shared that playing video games helps them get through difficult times in their lives, provides them with healthy outlets from everyday challenges, and makes them feel happier. Players also universally look to video games for mental stimulation and stress relief.
Many people turned to video games as a way to keep connected with friends and family during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those trends have continued. The global player survey reveals that over half of players engage in online gaming with others, while more than a third play with others in person. Nearly half of all global players claim to have met a good friend, spouse, or significant other through video games.
But players are not the only ones who are seeing and experiencing the positive effects of playing video games – in fact, a burgeoning body of academic, peer-reviewed research is challenging outdated assumptions about video games and the 3 billion people worldwide who play them. Scientific studies have increasingly found that video games provide an important service as a global gathering place for friends, a tool for positive mental health, and an outlet for creativity, in addition to offering fun and escapism.
This report includes results from the player survey as well as findings from approximately 15 recent academic studies that validate the survey data. This research reveals that video games provide players with social and emotional benefits not replicated by other forms of entertainment, confirming the Power of Play.
Country Specific Data
Physical benefits
Video Games increasingly provide important treatments, for example for ADHD, Alzheimer’s, and neurorehabilitation after strokes. Numerous studies show how regular use of video games can support chronic low back pain or improve Visual Selective Attention after use. Complementing the treatment, games can offer the support a patient might need to get healthier, quicker and better.
In addition to improving physical health, our global survey report found that playing video games helps people with difficult times in their lives, provides them with healthy outlets from everyday challenges and makes them feel happier. Video game players also universally look to video games for mental stimulation and stress relief.
We share some examples of how video games are improving the lives of people in Europe, and around the world.
The video game I, Hope is the story of a young girl named Hope, whose town has been taken over by cancer. It supports children with cancer and brings positive and powerful elements into their lives. At a Video Games Europe event, Kenny Roy, the creator of the video game, presented “I, Hope” to European decision makers. The game is available in hospitals, and the developer is donating all proceeds from the video games to the GameChanger Charity.
