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

To have fun

69%

To pass the time

63%

For stress relief/relaxation

58%

Games Support Mental Health

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

Playing Games:

Helps me feel less stressed

71%

Helps me feel less anxious

61%

Helps me 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.

Playing Games:

Provides me a healthy outlet for everyday challenges

64%

Helps me feel happier

63%

Helps me get through difficult times in my life

52%

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

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

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

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.

“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

On a daily basis I play Video Games

On a Weekly basis I play Video Games

With other people online

26%

With other people in person

15%

With other people online

51%

With other people in person

38%

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

On a daily basis I play Video Games

With other people online

26%

With other people in person

15%

On a Weekly basis I play Video Games

With other people online

51%

With other people in person

38%

Daily basis play with others:

•in person    •online

Weekly basis play with others:

•in person     •online

The Power of Play Report highlights a wide range of attitudes and benefits outlined by global and local players.

To learn more about Canadian insights:

PARTICIPATING ASSOCIATIONS​