Power: Global Report 2023

Key insights

5 takeaways

01
71% of global players report that gaming helps reduce feelings of isolation, establishing it as a primary tool for community building.See it on page 5
02
69% of the 12,847 surveyed gamers across 12 countries utilize video games specifically for stress relief and relaxation.See it on page 4
03
Nearly 50% of all players have formed meaningful personal relationships, including friendships and marriages, through gaming environments.See it on page 8
04
Academic research indicates that gaming enhances cognitive functions such as problem-solving and attention control, with potential benefits for mitigating cognitive decline in older populations.See it on page 10
05
The study utilized a representative sample of 12,847 active gamers aged 16 and older who play at least one hour per week across 12 international markets.See it on page 12

Summary

The 2023 Global Report on the power of play examines the multifaceted impact of video games on players worldwide, challenging traditional perceptions that categorize gaming solely as entertainment. The report synthesizes primary survey data with academic research to demonstrate that gaming serves as a vital tool for mental health, social connection, and cognitive development. By highlighting both the psychological benefits and the social utility of interactive media, the analysis posits that video games function as essential platforms for emotional regulation and community building.

The findings are based on a comprehensive survey of 12,847 active gamers aged 16 and older across 12 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The methodology utilized quota samples representative of each nation’s online population, ensuring that all participants played at least one hour of games per week. This primary data is supplemented by approximately 15 peer-reviewed academic studies, providing a robust evidence base for the reported trends.

Key data points reveal that 69% of global players game for stress relief and relaxation, while 71% report that gaming helps reduce feelings of isolation. Socially, the medium acts as a significant bridge, with nearly half of all players having formed meaningful personal relationships—including friendships and marriages—through gaming environments. Furthermore, academic research cited in the report suggests that gaming can bolster cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and attention control, and may even assist in mitigating the effects of cognitive decline in older populations. Ultimately, the report concludes that video games provide unique social and emotional benefits that are increasingly recognized as essential to modern well-being.