Video Games Support U.S. Veterans Mental Health and Social Connections

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) released a comprehensive survey in 2025 revealing the significant benefits video games provide to U.S. veterans. According to the survey, 77% of veterans believe that gaming has a positive impact on their lives, particularly in managing mental health and fostering social connections.

Key findings from the survey include that 86% of veterans view video games as a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety, while 81% say gaming helps them cope with difficult times. Additionally, 77% find that video games help them stay connected with others, and 74% report that gaming communities positively affect their mental and emotional well-being.

Veterans also reflected on their military service, noting that gaming helped them relax and escape stress (85%), boosted morale and camaraderie (78%), and fostered teamwork and cooperation (73%). These findings highlight the multifaceted role video games play in supporting veterans’ mental health and social bonds both during and after service.

Stanley Pierre-Louis, CEO of the ESA, emphasized that these results demonstrate the power of play beyond entertainment, showcasing how video games contribute to mental health support and social connection among veterans. Stephen Machuga, founder of the nonprofit Stack Up, echoed this sentiment, sharing firsthand experiences of gaming’s positive impact on veteran mental health and community building.

The survey also profiled veteran gamers: predominantly male (63%), around 37 years old, college educated, employed full-time, married with children, and having served an average of six years. Most veterans (79%) play video games socially on a weekly basis, favoring consoles (74%) over PCs (63%) and smartphones (62%). Their preferred genres include action shooters, RPGs/MMORPGs, MOBAs, sports, and action-adventure games.

This research was conducted by YouGov through an online survey of 1,096 veteran video gamers aged 22 to 50, alongside 508 non-veteran gamers, to understand gaming’s role in veterans’ lives. The ESA’s initiative coincides with Military Appreciation Month, aiming to honor veterans by highlighting the positive influence of video games on their well-being.

Nonprofits like Stack Up leverage gaming to support veterans through programs that provide games and gear, suicide prevention efforts, and community centers. These initiatives demonstrate the real-world impact of gaming as a therapeutic and social tool for veterans recovering from physical and emotional challenges.

The ESA’s findings underscore the broader significance of video games as more than entertainment—they serve as vital tools for mental health support, stress relief, social connection, and teamwork among veterans. This research encourages developers, policymakers, and veteran support organizations to recognize and harness the therapeutic potential of gaming technology.

As the veteran community faces challenges such as federal layoffs and evolving healthcare needs, video games offer a consistent and accessible means to promote mental well-being and social engagement. The ESA’s report marks a pivotal step in validating gaming’s positive role and inspiring further innovation and support within this space.