Entertainment Software Association (ESA). ‘Safe Gameplay: A Parent’s Guide to Holiday Gifting’

• Three in five children are asking for video games this Holiday season: digital entertainment becomes a family favourite.
• More than 80% of U.S. parents who play video games with their children say it helps strengthen family bonds.
• Holiday spending on the rise: adults plan significant budgets for video game gifts.
• The video game industry reinforces its commitment to safety and responsible play.

REPORT SUMMARY

According to the holiday report published by the ESA, roughly 60% of children aged 5 to 17 plan to ask for video games this season. Among the most in-demand gifts are consoles, gaming subscriptions, accessories, physical games, and also virtual in-game currency — a clear sign that digital entertainment has become a central part of family fun during the holidays.

From the parents’ perspective, the data shows that many see video games as an opportunity to spend more quality time together: more than 80% of U.S. parents who play video games with their children believe that this activity strengthens family bonds. In terms of spending, adults expect to allocate a significant budget to video-game-related gifts, confirming their growing importance in holiday shopping.

The report also emphasises the need for a responsible approach to play. It stresses the importance of checking age-appropriate ratings and encourages families to activate parental controls on consoles and digital platforms. It also recommends talking with children not only about the games themselves, but about playtime limits, online interactions, in-game purchases, and communication with other players.

Finally, the ESA highlights the steps the video game industry is taking to protect its player community, especially minors. These measures include codes of conduct, human moderation of content and behaviour, parental control tools, collaboration between developers and platforms, empowering players to manage their own experiences, fostering respectful and inclusive communities, and using preventive technologies to reduce harmful behaviour. These efforts reflect a shared priority for the industry and families alike: ensuring the safety and well-being of all players.

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