Gaming has been on the rise recently. More people are playing video games for longer periods. It has become such an important part of so many lives. As such, it might be important to look at how the digital world is affecting the real one. To examine this idea better, we will take a look at people who spend most of their time in their computer set-up.
We have talked before about how video games can improve your mental health. However, today, we will be on effects video games can have on the mental health of Esports players. For those who don’t know, esports is a form of sport competition using video games. According to statista.com, by 2023, eSports is expected to have almost 300 million frequent viewers of eSports worldwide.
Esports is a pretty big deal. So, we thought it might be worth answering a simple question about the gamers in these competitions. Do eSports players have better mental health? Now, you might assume that the players in esports must have good mental health. After all, you might think that being a player for eSports must be a pretty easy job. After all, they only need to play a game that children play for fun. It can’t be hard. Right?
The truth is eSport’s players are put through much pressure. If you still don’t believe that this is possible, consider this. Basketball is also a game that kids can play. However, when playing professionally, basketball players need to maintain their bodies to be in the top physical condition and be extremely good at playing the sport.
ESports players are in a similar situation. In fact, a study from science daily, found that elite videogamers are under as much stress as top-flight footballers and rugby players. The study can be found here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191112110315.htm
Now, it is important to keep in mind that studies about the mental health of esports gamers are still very new. Since esports itself is still relatively new, there are many mental health professionals who don’t know completely what the consequences might be.
Despite this disclaimer, the idea that this could be a possibility might surprise people. There is more proof that these gamers might be under extreme stress. To take a quote from esportsinsider.com: “High levels of competition among esports athletes can cause immense amounts of physiological stress.”
While this looks bad, there is some good news. In the same article on esportsinsider.com, there is news about a recent trend about esports organizations teaming up with medical teams, doctors, and therapists to keep their players in tip-top condition. Esports is working with teams like AOK Bremen and Orlando Health to help its gamers.
In addition, many professionals say that regular exercise and stress-relieving activities away from the computer can help these gamers reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Although these changes are happening, the gamers at eSports still have to go through many stressful situations. There have even been players trying to form a union. An example of this is seen in an article at esportsobserver.com. The article reads, “In the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of media coverage on “esports unions” — organized associations of players formed to protect and further their rights and interests in the esports arena.”
To answer the question that we asked in the beginning, do eSports players have better mental health? The answer would be no but it is getting better slowly.
Thank you for reading and have a nice day!
Sources:
