The Entertainment Software Association has released this power to play The report, which offers a snapshot of who is playing video games around the world and why. There are lots of interesting data points here from over 24,000 respondents, all of whom are over the age of 16 and play at least weekly. Skeptics who think gaming is just for kids might be surprised to learn that the average age of respondents is 41, and the gender split between men and women is almost equal.
One of the most interesting aspects of the report was the benefits people said they received from playing the game. The top answer was that sports provide mental stimulation, said 81 percent of respondents. Eighty percent said sports relieved stress, 73 percent said sports made them feel happier and 64 percent said sports connected them to other people and helped them feel less isolated or lonely.
ESA Power of Play 2025
(ESA)
And although the biggest reason respondents cited for playing was to have fun (66 percent), they also said gaming could improve their skills. 77 percent said gaming increased creativity, 76 percent said it improved problem-solving and 74 percent said gaming enhanced both cognitive skills and teamwork or collaboration.
The report also highlights how popular mobile gaming still is. Overall, 55 percent of respondents said mobile is their preferred gaming platform. Half of respondents under 35 play on mobile, and an impressive 61 percent of gamers over 50 also play on mobile.
