Tech Desk 
Oct 11, 2025
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has released its Power of Play 2025 report, offering a fresh look at who plays video games and why. Based on responses from over 24,000 players aged 16 and above, the report breaks long-held stereotypes about gaming and gamers.
Notably, the research found that the average player is now 41 years old, reflecting a growing trend towards gaming for adults.
In addition, the report features a gender balance among players, as men and women participate in gaming at similar levels and rates of participation.
Aside from enjoyment, gaming continues to offer benefits for mental and emotional health. About 81% of players reported that gaming offers mental stimulation, and 80% reported that gaming offers stress relief.
An additional 73% reported that gaming improves their mood. Another 64% of players reported having connections with others and engaging in social interaction that decreased levels of isolation, particularly online gaming with co-op capabilities.
Moreover, players do not play just to compensate for boredom. The ESA report found that 77% of video gamers feel gaming unleashes their creativity, while 76% of gamers reported that gaming improves their problem-solving abilities, and 74% of players reported that gaming improves their cognitive and teamwork abilities.
Mobile gaming remains the most often played gaming platform in the world. In summary, 55% of respondents prefer to play games on their phone.
Nearly half of the players under 35 and 61% of all players over 50 reported that they enjoy mobile games, which are the most accessible gaming platform across generational lines and allow for gaming across generations.
