Study: 81% of Gamers Say Gaming Helps Them Explore Their ...

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, UNITED STATES, March 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — As stress, loneliness, and financial pressures continue to shape everyday life, many Americans are increasingly turning to games as a way to decompress and reconnect. A new study from StartPlaying finds that role-playing games are becoming a meaningful outlet for emotional relief, self-expression, and social connection.

The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults who turn to role-playing games when life feels stressful or overwhelming reveals how gaming is evolving beyond entertainment for many players.

Among respondents, 44% say gaming supports their mental health as much as therapy or mindfulness practices, while 1 in 10 say they rely on gaming as a more affordable alternative when professional care feels out of reach. [...] Key Findings

• 44% say gaming supports their mental health as much as therapy or mindfulness
• 81% say gaming helps them explore different sides of themselves, rising to 90%
among Gen Z
• 66% game multiple times per week to cope with stress, including 79% of Gen Z and
70% of millennials
• 36% say rising costs are driving them to game more, replacing activities like dining out,
travel, and concerts
• 65% report gaming during work hours, including 79% of Gen Z and 70% of millennials
• 79% say gaming helps them connect with people from different backgrounds
• 63% say gaming communities feel more respectful and inclusive than everyday life

The full study is available here:

Source Insight: This report was curated based on original coverage from metrowestdailynews.com.

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