A national survey from the Entertainment Software Association, ESA, shows that many military veterans are considering careers in the video game industry. The survey focused on veterans between 22 and 50 who play PC or console games and found that interest in gaming jobs is higher among veterans than among non-veterans in the same age range.
Conducted by YouGov in January 2025, the survey included more than 1,000 veteran gamers along with 508 non-veterans for comparison. Participants were asked about their gaming habits, the role games play in their lives, and their interest in working in the gaming industry. More than half of the veterans surveyed, or 52%, said they had considered a career in the field at some point, a higher rate than reported by non-veterans.
The survey also explored how gaming fits into veterans’ everyday lives. Many respondents said they played games during downtime while on active duty or in the barracks, and that gaming continued to be an important part of their routines after leaving the military. Most reported that games help them manage stress, maintain connections, and provide a sense of balance. ESA noted that these habits are reflected in veterans’ ongoing engagement with games on consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
The findings align with other reporting on veteran gaming habits. Stars & Stripes stated that gaming can serve as both a social outlet and a form of stress relief for veterans. Video Games Chronicle also reported that 85% of veterans who played games while on active duty said gaming helped them cope with stress, and 78% said it strengthened their sense of camaraderie. These trends suggest that gaming plays a consistent and meaningful role in the lives of many veterans, which may contribute to their interest in pursuing careers in the industry.
While the survey included questions about mental health and social engagement, it also indicates potential workforce opportunities. The ESA says that the video game sector continues to grow, offering a range of jobs in design, production, testing, community management, marketing, engineering, and other areas. Many veterans already possess skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and adapting to new systems, which may transfer to roles in the industry.
ESA said it plans to release more detailed data from the survey later in 2025. The survey adds to a growing body of research showing that gaming is an important part of veterans’ lives, both as a source of recreation and as a potential career pathway.
0 Comments