Updated Mar 17, 2026 by AEVI
Gaming serves as a primary tool for emotional regulation, with 83% of players reporting increased happiness and 71% stating that games reduce stress, anxiety, and isolation.
Social connectivity is a core outcome of gaming, as 67% of players believe games help them forge new relationships, and 45% have met a close friend, partner, or spouse through the medium.
Players identify 'having fun' as the primary motivation for gaming (69%), followed by entertainment and stress relief as the leading drivers for engagement.
Gaming is perceived as a driver of cognitive and professional skill development, with 69% of respondents citing improved problem-solving and 65% noting greater adaptability.
Peer-reviewed academic research supports the survey findings, suggesting that gaming can provide protective effects against age-related memory decline and help manage depressive symptoms.
The 2023 Power of Play survey, conducted by AudienceNet, analyzed data from 12,847 active weekly gamers across 12 international markets to map the social and cognitive impacts of play.
Gaming serves as a primary tool for emotional regulation, with 83% of players reporting increased happiness and 71% stating that games reduce stress, anxiety, and isolation.
Social connectivity is a core outcome of gaming, as 67% of players believe games help them forge new relationships, and 45% have met a close friend, partner, or spouse through the medium.
Players identify 'having fun' as the primary motivation for gaming (69%), followed by entertainment and stress relief as the leading drivers for engagement.
Gaming is perceived as a driver of cognitive and professional skill development, with 69% of respondents citing improved problem-solving and 65% noting greater adaptability.
Peer-reviewed academic research supports the survey findings, suggesting that gaming can provide protective effects against age-related memory decline and help manage depressive symptoms.
The 2023 Power of Play survey, conducted by AudienceNet, analyzed data from 12,847 active weekly gamers across 12 international markets to map the social and cognitive impacts of play.