The Burrow
Oct 15, 2025
From family board nights to marathon video games sessions and lively backyard footy matches, games are woven into the fabric of Australian households. They bring people together, spark laughter and create cherished memories across generations. But behind the fun lies a surprising reality: games are also among the leading culprits of accidental mishaps in the home. Whether it’s a toppled lamp during a heated table tennis rally or a smashed TV controller mishap , the risk of home damage is greater than many realise.
To uncover the full picture, the experts at Compare the Market Australia carried out a survey of Aussie households, revealing which pastimes rank as the most destructive games for belongings, furniture and even the family home itself. The findings shine a light on the financial and emotional toll of these accidents, reminding us that while games build connection, they can also carry hidden costs.
To see the results of our 2023 study, click here.
When it comes to destructive games, it’s no surprise that outdoor ball sports top the list. A huge 31% of Australian households surveyed admit that backyard favourites like football and cricket have led to accidental home damage, ranging from dented walls to broken windows. But the chaos isn’t confined to the garden. Inside the home, 27% of respondents revealed that indoor ball games have also taken their toll, with living rooms and kitchens emerging as hotspots for accidents.
On the digital front, video games can be just as risky. Call of Duty leads the charge as the single most damaging title, with 30% of households surveyed linking it to outbursts causing broken belongings or accidents in the home. It’s closely followed by other favourites, with the rest of the top five most destructive video games being Fortnite (24% linked to damage), Mario Kart (23%), FIFA (22%) and Minecraft (20%).
These findings highlight that no matter the nature of a game, whether it’s on the pitch, around the table or on the screen, playtime can come with a cost.
While games often deliver priceless moments of joy, the repairs they leave behind can quickly add up. According to our findings, the average cost of home damage caused by games sits at $169.52, which is a price tag that many households may not anticipate when setting up a board game night or switching on the console.
Not all accidents hit wallets equally. Around 22% of those surveyed reported incidents cost between $51 and $100 to put right, while a lucky 17% managed to escape with repair bills under $50. However, for some, the consequences were far more serious: 6% of households faced repair costs exceeding $500, turning a light-hearted moment into a costly headache.
These figures reveal the hidden financial burden of destructive games. From cracked TV screens to broken furniture, even seemingly small accidents can potentially spiral into expensive repairs. It’s a reminder that while video games and outdoor sports bring excitement, they also carry risks that make protecting the home (and the wallet) more important than ever.
As for the different types of home damage, it’s clear that no corner of the household is safe. The most common casualties are tech devices, with 39% of accidents involving laptops, mobile phones or tablets. This is a reminder of how easily gadgets can be knocked, dropped or smashed mid-game. Close behind are the more decorative touches, as 34% of respondents reported vases, mirrors and ornaments falling victim to the chaos.
Furniture also takes a heavy hit, with 28% of households admitting to accidents involving sofas, tables and even mattresses during energetic play sessions. Meanwhile, the home isn’t immune either, as 27% reported holes in walls, ceilings or floorboards. Entertainment systems also feature high on the list, with 26% citing damage to TVs and stereo equipment, and a further 25% noting ruined carpets.
From smashed screens to battered furniture, these results highlight just how wide-ranging the impact of games and frustration can be. It just goes to show that the aftermath of fun and competition can stretch far beyond the game itself.
Let’s now look at the specific devices and activities behind home damage, as Aussies are clear on where the risks lie. Nearly half of respondents who had experienced damage (46%) believe that video game consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo are most likely to be involved with breakages at home, which could be anything from a controller being thrown or over-enthusiastic moves in the living room. Outdoor sports follow closely behind, with 43% saying games like football and basketball are just as likely to result in accidents that leave their mark indoors or out.
Even classic board games aren’t entirely innocent. Almost one in five households surveyed (18%) admitted that favourites like Monopoly and Jenga have led to mishaps, proving that even slow-paced games can cause unexpected damage. Meanwhile, newer technologies are adding to the risk factor. VR headsets were responsible for trouble in nearly one in four cases (23%), as players immersed in virtual worlds may accidentally collide with very real furniture and belongings.
Our survey also revealed some striking state-by-state differences. In Tasmania, households reported the highest levels of damage linked to PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo consoles, with 56% citing accidents. However, the average repair bill here came in slightly below the national figure at $144.
By contrast, respondents in Victoria face the steepest costs, averaging $182 per incident. Victorians surveyed also stand out for being particularly outburst-prone, with video games like Call of Duty (27%) having the highest association with unintentional holes in walls and ceilings nationwide (33%), making it a hotspot for destructive games and costly home damage.
Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, notes how home and contents insurance could help cover you for accidents around the home.
“Accidents in the home aren’t always dramatic events. That’s why having suitable home and contents insurance in place is so important.
“While damage from a passionate outburst, such as throwing your controller and damaging your home in anger, is not covered by accidental damage cover, it’s still an important part of home and contents coverage for your home.
“Whether it’s a football smashing through a window, or a spilled drink on the rug, accidental damage cover for home and contents can help give you piece of mind over your home and your belongings so that, should the unexpected happen, you’re covered.”
Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) to check for the inclusions, limits and restrictions before purchasing to make sure the product is suitable.
Compare the Market commissioned 3Gem to survey Australian households in September 2025.