Video games have long been a popular pastime for kids, but recent data suggests they may have an impact far beyond entertainment. A fascinating report shows that the video games people played as children and the consoles they used can be linked to higher salaries and promotions in adulthood. Let’s dive into the key findings and what they mean for gamers.
Gamers Earn More and Get Promoted More Often
The study reveals two eye-opening statistics:
- People who played video games growing up are 71% more likely to have received a promotion recently.
- Those who played video games as children earn an average of $5,451 more per year compared to non-gamers.
These stats highlight the long-term benefits of gaming, suggesting that the skills learned while playing—such as problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic thinking—may be contributing to professional growth and financial success.
Which Games Lead to Higher Salaries?
Not all video games are equal when it comes to their impact on future earnings. According to the report, certain games are associated with significantly higher salaries:
Top-earning Games:
- FIFA – $70,711
- Candy Crush – $69,903
- Doom – $67,276
- NBA 2K – $67,245
- Madden NFL – $66,426
Lowest-earning Games:
- Animal Crossing – $51,290
- Assassin’s Creed – $54,989
- Grand Theft Auto – $56,446
Does Your Childhood Console Matter?
The type of gaming console used as a child also seems to affect adult earnings:
- PlayStation players have the highest average annual salary at $62,276.
- Nintendo ($60,527) and Xbox ($60,060) users also earn above average.
- However, PC gamers come in last, with an average salary of $55,707.
PlayStation users, in particular, earned 12% more than PC gamers, indicating that console choice could have a long-term financial influence.
Mortal Kombat vs. Grand Theft Auto: The Surprising Earnings Gap
Another intriguing finding is that people who played Mortal Kombat as kids earned 11% more than those who played Grand Theft Auto. While both games are popular, the data suggests that the type of content and gameplay style may be connected to different professional outcomes.
Conclusion: How Video Games Shape Success
This report highlights an unexpected link between childhood gaming habits and adult success. Whether it’s the type of games played or the console used, the skills developed through gaming appear to contribute to better professional performance and higher salaries later in life. For today’s gamers, this is an exciting validation of the benefits of their favorite hobby—and for parents, it might be time to encourage more game time!