Today, 66 percent of Americans—more than 215 million people of all ages and backgrounds—play video games regularly, according to the Entertainment Software Association. Three quarters of players are over 18, and the average age of a video game player is 33. Across all ages, players are about half female and half male. Video games have become a valued part of many people’s lives, and nine in 10 players say they are spending as much or more time playing now as they did at the pandemic’s peak.

Video games have the power to bring people from around the world together, helping to create community and foster connection. Eighty-eight percent of players say video games can bring together different types of people, and 83 percent of players agree that video games create a feeling of community. More than three quarters of players say that video games can introduce people to new friends and relationships, and nearly half have met a good friend, spouse or significant other through video games.