A new national survey from the Entertainment Software Association, ESA, shows that video games provide more than entertainment for U.S. Veterans. Many use gaming to support mental health, adjust to civilian life, and maintain social connections.
Video Games Support Veterans’ Mental Health
The survey was conducted by YouGov from January 14 to 27, with responses from 1,096 U.S. Veteran gamers and 508 non-Veteran gamers between the ages of 22 and 50. The results show how video games have become part of daily life for many Veterans, offering structure, enjoyment, and connection long after their military service ends.
ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis said the organization values how video game play supports mental health, social connection, and well-being, especially for those who have served. ESA Senior Vice President Aubrey Quinn added that today’s Veteran gamers are not teens, but adults with families and careers who use gaming to relax and manage emotional stress.
Gaming Relieves Stress and Eases Difficult Times
According to ESA’s 2025 survey, 77 percent of Veterans say video games positively impact their lives. Eighty-six percent report that gaming offers a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety, while 81 percent say it helps them cope during difficult times. For many, gaming is part of a routine that helps manage emotional health.
Games Help Veterans Stay Connected
Video games also help Veterans stay socially connected. Seventy-seven percent believe gaming is a meaningful way to keep in touch with others. Another 74 percent say being part of a gaming community improves their emotional and mental well-being. These spaces help create a sense of belonging that can be difficult to find after active duty.
Gaming Helps During Service Too
Many Veterans had played video games while serving. Eighty-five percent said gaming helped them relax and escape daily stress during their time in the military. Seventy-eight percent said it improved morale and camaraderie, and 73 percent said it supported teamwork and cooperation. These responses suggest that gaming supported both personal wellness and group connection even before transitioning to civilian life.
Today’s Veteran Gamers
Veteran gamers don’t fit common stereotypes. The average player is 37 years old, college educated, employed full-time, married, and raising children. With an average of six years of military service, many are balancing work and family life. They turn to gaming not as a distraction, but as a useful way to manage stress, stay connected, and recharge.
How and What They Play
Seventy-nine percent of Veterans report playing with others each week. Most prefer using consoles, with PCs and smartphones also common. Popular genres include shooters, role-playing games, MOBAs, sports, and action-adventure. Call of Duty and Fortnite are top choices for 55 percent of Veterans. Role-playing games, including MMORPGs and MOBAs, follow at 39 percent. While Sports games attract 31 percent, and 28 percent enjoy action-adventure titles.
A Lasting Impact
For many, gaming is more than a pastime. It offers real benefits like stress relief, social connection, and emotional support. As more Veterans turn to video games, this trend will continue to shape how we think about wellness and community for those who served.
READ MORE: How Cozy Games Are Supporting Mental Wellness
yeah, the communitiness of gaming can be rather powerful, as peer support goes.