VA Gaming Partner War Room

VA Gaming War Room

The Gaming War Room (GWR) is a strategic initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Experience Office (VEO) under the VetResources Community Network (VRCN). Its purpose is to engage Veterans—particularly those underserved or untethered from traditional support networks—through gaming and esports platforms to improve access to care, resources, and community support.

Mission

The Gaming War Room exists to convene gaming industry partners, nonprofits, and community collaborators to develop strategies that leverage gaming to increase awareness of and access to VA benefits, services, and mental health resources.

Objectives

Launch an “Ask the Question” campaign to help identify Veterans and connect them to VA services
Offer gaming tournaments and job/resource fairs for Veterans
Distribute VA information across gaming platforms to ensure awareness of available benefits
Encourage free play gaming and access to no-cost game codes for Veterans
Organize online seminars and game nights in collaboration with Recreation Therapy teams and gaming partners

Structure and Operations

The Gaming War Room operates through virtual convenings held quarterly. Office hours are hosted monthly to foster collaboration, idea sharing, and progress tracking. One-on-one partner meetings are available upon request.

Leadership

VRCN Staff oversee operations and facilitate quarterly sessions
A Co-Host partner (rotating 6–12 month terms) co-leads meetings and outreach initiatives

FY24 Action Plan

Support VA outreach priorities including the PACT Act, Suicide Prevention, Buddy Check Week, and Peer Support
Promote November as Veterans Month with blog posts, discount listings, and event showcases
Coordinate VA integration into gaming-related events and Discord-based Q&A opportunities
Highlight free gaming access and wellness activities for Veterans

Metrics and Impact

Key measures for evaluating the success of the Gaming War Room include:

Number of Veterans reached and referred to VA benefits
Number of Veterans participating in peer support and recreation therapy through gaming
Total events hosted and Veteran participation counts

Why Gaming?

38% of U.S. gamers are aged 18–34, a core Veteran demographic
75% of Americans have at least one gamer in their household
43% of active-duty service members report gaming weekly

Gaming serves as a culturally relevant and accessible tool to engage Veterans in a safe, social, and impactful space. Research and pilot programs indicate strong correlations between gaming and improved physical, cognitive, and emotional health outcomes when used as part of VA Recreation Therapy and Adaptive Sports programs.