A new survey has found that 85% of US veterans who played video games while on active duty did so to help them escape the stressors of military life.
The survey, which was conducted by theEntertainment Software Association(ESA) with a sample size of 1,096 veteran video game players and 508 non-veterans, found that the majority of them said games had a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being.
According to the survey data, 86% of veterans believe that video games provide a healthy outlet to help them deal with stress and anxiety.
81% also agreed that playing video games helped them to cope with difficult times in their lives, while 77% believe games have had a positive impact on their life post-military service.
79% of veterans polled said they currently played video games with other people at least once a week, with 58% of those saying they played online with their friends from the military.
The veterans were also asked about their time playing games while on active duty, with 85% saying it helped them to temporarily escape the stress of military life, and 85% saying it helped them to relax and unwind after completing their military duties.
78% also said that playing video games with their fellow military members helped to strengthen their camaraderie, while 73% believed it served as an effective tool for fostering teamwork and cooperation.
Just in time for#MilitaryAppreciationMonth: Our 2025 ESA Veterans + Video Games Report is here! 🎮🇺🇸 It reveals how games support veterans’ well-being—fostering stress relief, connection, and community.
Dive into the data ⬇️https://t.co/NbecApyLkA#ESAVeteransSurveypic.twitter.com/Bv7Kx1CeNW
— Entertainment Software Association (@theESA)May 24, 2025
56% of veterans said they played games online with friends back home while on active duty, while 44% played online with family.
The survey also asked veterans which game genres they played. The most popular genre was shooters, with 55% of those surveyed saying they played those most often. Other popular genres included RPG / MMO (39%) and sports (31%). The most popular games cited were Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto,EA SportsFC andFortnite.
“Every day, I see first-hand the positive impacts video games have on veterans and service members,” said StephenMachuga, founder and executive director of Stack Up, a non-profit organisation focused on supporting veterans’ mental health through games.
“Video games have proven to be a powerful tool for stress relief, a way to connect with friends and fellow service members and a positive outlet for relaxation and mental health.”
