Entertainment, enjoyment and relaxation remain the primary motivations for video game play. Many surveyed players also associate video games with positive impacts on mental wellness and stress management. People have fun playing video games. Among surveyed adults, having fun is the most frequently cited reason for playing video games (59%), followed by unwinding (44%) and personal time (35%).

Generational Insight

Different reasons to play..

Gen X players are more likely to cite unwinding (53%) and exercising their brain (31%) than Gen Z players (37% and 18%, respectively).

Video games continue to be an important way to relax and manage stress. Nine in ten surveyed adults (91%) and teens (90%) report that they often or sometimes play video games to relax, manage stress or improve their mood.

Most surveyed players believe video games can positively impact mental wellness. More than three-quarters of adults (78%) and nearly seven in ten teens (69%) believe video games can have a positive effect on mental wellness.

Perceived benefits extend beyond entertainment. More than eight in ten surveyed adults associate video games with joy (82%), mental stimulation (82%) and stress relief (81%).