A new survey has revealed more children in the US want in-game currency than a new game or console.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has advocated for the US video game industry since 1994. “Our mission is to help expand and protect the innovative and creative marketplace for the video game industry here in the United States.”
Earlier this week, they shared the results of a new survey about Christmas 2025. According to their findings, 58 per cent of kids aged between 5 and 17 will be asking for video games. The same percentage want their parents to play more video games with them.
The parents who are planning on buying video games for their kids are reportedly set to spend an average of $736.83.
The survey also reveals the five most-requested video game-related items this Christmas. They are:
- In-game currency (43 per cent)
- Video game console (38 percent)
- Video game accessories (37 per cent)
- Physical game (37 percent)
- Gaming subscription (32 percent)
Some of the biggest games around, such as Roblox and Fortnitehave their own in-game currency that can be spent on cosmetics, accessories and access to unique rewards.
As part of the survey, the ESA has also shared ‘A Parent’s Guide To Holiday Gifting’ with information about age ratings, setting up parental controls, and how to safely play games online. You can check it out here.
Robloxthe most-popular video game for under-13s, has faced increased scrutiny about online safety in recent months. Three lawsuits have been filed against the video game platform over concerns about child safety and the company has revealed plans for strict age verification measures that are designed to stop players chatting to strangers of a vastly different age.
However in a bizarre interview, Roblox Boss David Baszucki denied that the platform was somewhere “predators go to find kids” but also said predators were “an opportunity” and “not necessarily just a problem.” Earlier this year, Baszucki said that if parents were worried about their children’s safety on Robloxthey shouldn’t let them access it. “That sounds a little counter-intuitive, but I would always trust parents to make their own decisions.”
As part of their efforts to make the platform safer, earlier this month Roblox reportedly forced all users with ’69’ in their name to rebrand or face a permanent ban.
In other news, the first name for the live-action Assassin’s Creed The adaptation has been revealed and it looks like the Netflix show is set to stray from the story of the hit video games.
