86% of American War Veterans Use Gaming To Cope With Stress

Most U.S. veterans say video games help them manage stress, boost emotional health, and stay socially connected during and after military service.

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) conducted a survey which revealed that video games serve as a stress relief for 86% of American war veterans. The YouGov survey from January 2025 collected data from 1,000 veteran gamers who demonstrated that gaming serves as a tool for managing military, and post-military life difficulties.

“Playing video games helped them escape the stressors of military life and relax,” the ESA noted. The research data shows that video games provided relief during difficult periods for 81% of veterans. Additionally, 74% of them believe games have a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being.

Dev.Ua reports that the average veteran gamer is a 37-year-old man with a college degree, full-time job, a spouse, children, and six years of military experience, including time in combat. Nearly 80% of veterans play with others at least once a week, usually with friends, family, or children.

Games are more than just fun. Veterans say they also help build relationships: 77% say video games help them connect with others, both inside and outside the military. “Video games provide a healthy outlet for stress,” the report highlights.

Popular game genres among veterans include shooters like Call of Duty shooters and role-playing games and sports games such as EA Sports FC and action-adventure games including Grand Theft Auto. The majority of players choose console gaming (74%) but PC gaming (63%) and smartphone gaming (62%) are also popular among them.

A current U.S. serviceman, known as “Bear,” shared with dev.ua that video games not only helped him stay sharp but also improved his military skills, as reported by Dev.Ua. In other words, the study claims that for many veterans, gaming remains more than a hobby—it’s a lifeline.