The Californer - New Survey: U.S. Veterans Say Video Games Support Mental Health and Well-Being

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WASHINGTON, May 1, 2025 ~ The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has recently released the results of a survey that sheds light on the positive impact of video games on U.S. veterans. According to the survey, 77% of veterans believe that video games have had a positive influence on their lives.

The survey, conducted by YouGov from January 14-27, 2025, aimed to understand the role and impact of video games in the lives of U.S. veterans. It included a sample size of 1,096 veteran video gamers and 508 non-veteran video gamers between the ages of 22-50.

One of the key findings of the survey was that playing video games provides a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety for veterans. In fact, 86% of respondents stated that playing video games helps them cope with difficult times. Additionally, 81% said that it offers a valuable means of staying connected with others and 74% believe that video game communities have a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being.

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When asked about their time in service, veterans also highlighted the benefits of playing video games. The majority (85%) stated that it helped them relax and unwind from the stressors of military life. Furthermore, 78% said it boosted morale and strengthened camaraderie among fellow service members, while 73% found it to be an effective tool for fostering teamwork and cooperation.

ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis expressed his pride in the positive impact of video game play on mental health, social connections, and overall well-being. He stated, "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."

Stephen Machuga, a veteran himself and founder & executive director of Stack Up - a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veteran's mental health through gaming - also shared his insights on the matter. He said, "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."

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The survey also delved into the demographics of veteran video gamers. On average, they are male, 37 years old, college-educated, employed full-time, and married with children in the household. They served an average of six years in the military.

Interestingly, the majority (79%) of veteran video gamers prefer playing with others on a weekly basis. When it comes to gaming platforms, consoles are the top choice (74%), followed by personal computers (63%) and smartphones (62%). They also enjoy playing a wide variety of games across genres. The top preferences include action shooter games (55%), role-playing (RPG/MMORPG) and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games (39%), sports (31%), and action-adventure (28%).

To learn more about the survey findings, visit www.theesa.com/2025veteranssurvey. The ESA hopes that this data will continue to highlight the positive impact of video games beyond entertainment and support their mission to promote gaming as a beneficial activity for all individuals.

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