Power of Play: Japan

What makes gamers around the world tick, and how do they differ from country to country? These questions and many more are addressed in the Power of Play study, which was conducted and published by industry associations. In addition to global evaluations, the report also compiles the most important answers to essential questions at the level of the 21 countries that participated.

In Japan, AudienceNet surveyed a total of 1,049 people aged 16 and older. The results are similar to the results from Germany and differ significantly from the global average in some cases. This is evident, for example, in the question of whether games are a tool for mental resilience.

Video games as a tool for mental resilience

Video Games…

• Help me feel less stressed: 65% in Japan vs. 77% globally
• Help me feel happier: 54% in Japan vs. 73% globally
• Provide a healthy outlet from everyday challenges: 52% in Japan vs. 72% globally
• Help me feel less anxiou: 40% in Japan vs. 70% globally
• Help me feel less isolated: 41% in Japan vs.64% globally
• Help me get through difficult times: 36% in Japan vs. 62% globally

The influence of games also appears to be less pronounced in professional and private life in Germany. Only 30% of Japanese surveyed agreed with the statement “Influenced my career and/or educational path in a positive way.” Globally, the figure is 43%. The statement “Allows me to continue or pursue a hobby or interest that I wouldn't otherwise be able to do” was agreed with by 50% of Germans surveyed, but by 64% of gamers surveyed worldwide.

When it comes to the connection that games create between people, Japanese people are even more reserved than Germans. 42% of gamers surveyed in Japan play online with others at least once a month. That is 22 percentage points less than the German. 21% even play in-person with others at least once during the same period. That is over 30 percentage points less than the German. 31% use in-game communications. Also interesting: 34 percent of parents say that playing video games has positively impacted their relationship with their kids.

On the other hand, even gamers from Japan are extremely skeptical when it comes to improving skills through games, as the support for the following statements shows.

Players agree that video games can improve…

• Cognitive: 63% of Japanese Gamers vs. 74% globally
• Creativity: 55% of Japanese Gamers vs. 77% globally
• Adaptability: 55% of Japanese Gamers vs. 71% globally