The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) released the 2023
Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry in July 2023.
Circana conducted the annual research for ESA in April 2023 using
an online methodology. The study gathered data from approximately
4,000 Americans about their video game playing habits and
attitudes. The 2023 Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game
Industry also includes data provided by the Entertainment Software
Rating Board (ESRB), Circana and Sensor Tower.
VIDEO GAMES ARE ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST
BELOVED PASTIMES. EVERY WEEK, 212.6 MILLION
AMERICANS PLAY VIDEO GAMES AS PART OF
THEIR REGULAR ROUTINE.
No matter your interest, there is a video game you will love.
So, it’s no surprise that so many people choose to play.
Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults play video games regularly,
and that number jumps to 76% for children under the
age of 18. Players come from all walks of life, with strong
engagement across age, gender and racial/ethnic groups.
The diversity of today’s video game player community
reects the wide range of games available as a source of fun
and enjoyment.
But games don’t simply entertain. They also create
opportunities to sharpen our skills and stimulate our
minds – and even non-players recognize that. This year’s
research shows that 96% of all Americans see video games
as benecial, even if they don’t play them regularly. Video
games are seen as a tool for building problem-solving
skills, teamwork and collaboration, communication, conict
resolution and leadership skills.
Stanley Pierre-Louis
President & Chief Executive Ofcer
Entertainment Software Association
Games also help forge new connections, nd safe and
supportive communities and deepen our relationships with
those around us. Today, 80% of players play with others and
most believe that games help them stay connected to friends
and family and strengthen those relationships. Half of all
players have met a good friend, spouse or signicant other
through video games. And games serve as a go-to activity for
more and more American families: 76% of U.S. parents play
video games to have fun and connect with their kids.
The 2023 Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry
report details America’s relationship with video games and
the reasons why games continue to inspire and delight us
all. Play is a universal need for kids as well as adults. Video
games build community, keep our minds sharp and bring us
closer to others. Embracing the power of games unlocks our
extraordinary potential, transforming lives – and the world.