The Video Game IndustryThe industry in your stateNational Economic FootprintConsumer SpendingAmerica PlaysVideo Games and Education
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Data Sources

The data found on the ESA's Industry Impact hub is derived from a variety of sources including:

  • The ESA's "Essential Facts about the Video Game Industry" report. This report details American's video game usage and can be found here. View Here
  • The ESA's "Video Games in the 21st Century" economic impact report, a comprehensive look at the companies that make up the US video game industry, and industry's overall impact on the US's economy. View Here
  • The ESA's annual holiday survey, which tracks both kids' and parents' holiday gift trends. View Here The ESA's 2025 "Video Games and Veterans" survey. View Here

In addition, the Impact Hub features data from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), Circana, and Sensor Tower.

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Economy
Consumer Spending
Players
Why We Play
00
agree video games are fun
85%
agree games bring people joy through play
81%
agree games provide mental stimulation
79%
Are fun85%
Create joy81%
Create mental stimulation70%
Relieve stress 78%
Are accessible74%
Are educational74%
Have cognitive benefits73%
Create community70%
Games shape how we move, watch & play.
87%
Believe playing a video game version of a sport improves real-life performance
56%
Of players who play a sport in real life also play a video game version of that sport
22%
Of players discovered a new song because of a video game they played
17%
Discovered a TV show or movie because of a video game
Video games connect us to friends & family
Among players:
89%
Have played video games online
82%
Of parents who play games, play with their kids
72%
Agree games introduce them to new friends
89%
Have played video games online
82%
Of parents who play games, play with their kids
72%
Agree games introduce them to new friends
Source: ESA Essential Facts
Veterans & Military
Veterans view video games as a vital support system.
Veterans say video games:
86%
Are a healthy outlet for stress
82%
Helps me cope with depression and anxiety
77%
Connects me with friends and family
71%
Helps with my PTSD symptoms
68%
Helps me maintain mental sharpness
"Playing video games strengthens the ability to learn how to learn — with effects that are long-term."
— Brain Sciences Literature Review