TV channel poll of millennials suggests video games have positive mental health impact

Playing video consoles has become a key strategy for coping with stress, a study of millennial gamers has revealed.

Researchers who quizzed 1,000 gamers found 55 per cent play videogames to help them unwind and relieve stress.

Almost half admitted performing well in a game had a positive impact on their lives 'off-screen', allowing them to have an upbeat view in other aspects of their lives.

And half said they see the value in gaming as a method of escapism to help them deal with daily work pressures.

TV channel Dave surveyed 1,000 gamers, aged 18 to 30, ahead of the brand new series of Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit, which returns Monday 12th February at 10pm.

The results of the study show gaming as a social pursuit, with three in five of those surveyed playing specifically to join friends or an established 'clan' to play with.

It also emerged the average gamer has made three friends through gaming, either through playing together or in the surrounding community and culture.Sixty per cent of those surveyed consider gaming a key component of their social life.

And almost a quarter believe they have made more friends through their interest in gaming than through any other area of their life, making it their core social outlet.

Luke Hales, general manager of the Dave TV channel, said: "We've loved watching stars come together and unleash their competitive sides across the three series of Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit to date.

"This survey is incredibly revealing in showing the positive mental benefits of getting together for a gaming session."