ESA report suggests gaming reduces stress, anxiety across the world
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) published a report this week detailing the benefits gamers report around the world. The Power of Play 2023 Global Report collects findings from global surveys as well as several academic studies to detail the positive benefits to gamers around the world. The report’s findings show that gamers near-universally find gaming to have positive effects on their life, including reducing stress, assisting with feelings of isolation and helping them have fun.
More than half of the players report that games have helped them through difficult times in their lives, as well as providing them with an outlet for daily challenges. While there are some variations across regions, this remains consistent across most of them. Players also report having gained multiple skills while playing, including improved problem-solving and communication skills.
Stanley Pierre-Louis, the ESA’s president and CEO, said in a statement, “The Power of Play report affirms globally what we already knew to be true in the United States: video games have the power to transcend entertainment. The social and emotional benefits of video gameplay are felt by a global, diverse group of players that build communities and have the power to affect positive change in each other’s lives.”
The largest part of the report was about the effects games can have on mental health — socialization in particular. Despite the number of respondents who say they play primarily by themselves (87%), an almost equally large number (67%) believe that games can be a vehicle for players meeting and making connections with each other. 42% of respondents report having met a significant other or spouse in games, and 46% report that games help them stay
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