- A new Entertainment Software Association One study found that most Americans think video games offer the most entertainment value for their money compared to other forms of entertainment.
- 75% of parents actively play video games every week, while 81% enjoy playing with their children.
- Most gamers across all age groups also spend money on in-game content.
A new study from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has found that the majority of gamers in the United States prefer to spend their money on video games because they believe they provide more entertainment value than other forms of media.
As detailed in its annual Essential Facts about the U.S. Video Game Industry report, conducted in partnership with YouGov, video games are more popular than ever among most age groups.
According to the ESA, 67% of Americans between the ages of five and 90 currently play video games one or more hours a week, which is equivalent to 212.3 million. This represents an increase of 3% (7.2 million) compared to 2025, and is split fairly evenly between men and women, with 53% of men and 46% of women actively playing.
The latest statistics show that parents really like their children to play video games and enjoy playing with them: 75% actively play video games every week and 81% say they also play with their children (52% at least weekly).
Nearly half (49%) of parents also believe their children’s games teach them important skills, such as problem-solving and creative thinking, while a majority of American adults recognize the positive benefits of play.
85% find games fun, 78% say they relieve stress, and 79% say they provide mental stimulation. Younger Gen Z gamers (88%) also believe that games bring people together and build relationships (87%).
Gaming is a billion-dollar industry, and the cost of consoles and software has increased in recent years, with most first-party AAA games now costing between $80 and $90.
However, according to the study, the majority of Americans (63%) believe that games offer the greatest value for their money compared to other forms of media such as video streaming services for music, television, movies, books and magazines.
Most gamers across all age groups are also spending extra money on in-game content: 69% of Generation Alpha, 78% of Generation Z, and 67% of Millennials typically spend $20 per month.
54% of parents even buy gaming content for their children, although we don’t know which games. 93% of them also said they require approval for in-game purchases made by their children.
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