New Evidence: Games Do More Than Entertain
A fresh study highlights how video games boost more than just fun. The Power of Play report shows games lift mood, keep minds sharp, and help people feel connected. A global team gathered data that puts gaming in a new light.
Who did the research and what did they ask?
AudienceNet conducted the study for the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) and partners from 20 countries across six continents. The survey reached 24,000 players worldwide. In Canada, 1,521 people took part, with 514 coming from Quebec. The team asked about play habits, reasons for gaming, and its effects on daily life.
Big ideas from Power of Play 2025
ESAC chief Paul Fogolin describes the report as a factual reminder that gaming brings real benefits beyond a good time. People use games to support mental health, join a sense of community, and grow cognitive skills. The report frames play as an overall experience, not just a way to have fun.
How gaming helps in daily life
The data shows many gamers say games improve life in concrete ways. Seventy-two percent play mainly for fun, yet large shares report positive life changes. Sixty-eight percent say games offer a healthy escape from stress, while 70 percent say they feel happier after playing. Eighty percent use gaming to relax, and 57 percent say games helped them through tough times.
How big are these numbers?
Fogolin notes the results are strong. If a medicine could offer a 70 percent chance of reducing anxiety, many would want it right away. The same logic applies: people see real mental health benefits from playing games.
What’s new in Power of Play 2025
The 2025 edition adds more data points than the 2023 report. It expands the picture of who plays and how. For example, half of Canadian gamers are women, a shift from older studies that skew male. The report also shows younger and older players in the mix, debunking the idea that gaming is only for a small group.
Who plays, and on what devices?
The study highlights a wide mix of players. Mobile remains the most popular platform, used by 52 percent of Canadians. Consoles account for 25 percent, PCs at 22 percent, and VR headsets reach about 1 percent. The device spread shows gaming now reaches many kinds of players.
Quebec gets its own look this year
Quebec is listed separately in 2025, reflecting its strong game scene. The province is a major hub for development and has its own language and culture. In Quebec, 58 percent of gamers play on mobile, a bit higher than the national average. Women make up 53 percent of Quebec’s gaming crowd, nudging past the overall Canadian rate.
Staying in touch and meeting new friends
The report offers a social angle. Fifty-one percent of players say gaming helps them keep in touch with loved ones. More striking, 43 percent have met a good friend or partner through games. That figure shows how games can spark new bonds, not just keep old ones strong.
What this means for how we view games
Fogolin hopes Power of Play shifts the talk around games. Too often, people miss how much games touch daily life. The data push for broader awareness and a better view of gaming culture.
Canada’s game scene and what lies ahead
The Power of Play report lands as ESAC marks its 20th anniversary and Canada’s big gaming industry, valued at about $5.1 billion. A recent campaign tied to this milestone celebrated Canadian-made titles. One game, Luigi’s Mansion 3 from Next Level, won The Great Canadian Game-Off in a partnership with a Canadian media outlet. That win helped shine a light on Canada’s vibrant development scene and its fans.
Looking forward: more stories, more voices
Fogolin hints at new material that will spotlight veteran Canadian developers. He also hopes to see Canadian titles honored at major awards shows, following the excitement of last year’s standout success. The plan is to keep the conversation lively and welcome more fans and creators to share their stories.
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