Stat: US gamers turn to esports to boost athletic performance

US – New findings from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) reveal that 205.1m Americans aged 5–90 are regular gamers, with 60% of US adults engaging at least weekly. 

Notably, more than half (56%) of US adults now play gamified versions of real-life sports and 87% of these players believe it improves their athletic performance. 

 This growing belief in gaming as a tool for real-world enhancement presents fertile ground for brands innovating in health, fitness and sports. The appeal spans generations, with research showing that more than 80% of Gen Alpha and 36% of the silent generation are active gamers who play weekly.  

Appetite is growing for digital experiences that blend entertainment and personal development. This aligns with foresight from The Synthocene Era report, in which we explored Metamorphosed Intelligence – an emerging shift in which AI and spatial computing create hyper-individualised, immersive learning environments.