Recently, the Selangor Red Giants defeated Falcons AP.Bren 4-3 in a thrilling e-sport MSC 2024 grand final, marking the first international MLBB championship win for a Malaysian team. They took home US$1,000,000 from the US$3,000,000 prize pool.
However, the meteoric rise in the popularity and professionalisation of e-sports has cast a spotlight on the health concerns of its players, turning it into a significant public health issue. The rapid growth of this industry, while exciting, also brings challenges that can’t be ignored.
E-sports players, who often spend hours glued to screens—whether mobile phones, computers, or consoles—are at risk of various health issues according to a systematic review published in Industrial Psychiatry Journal. These range from physical ailments like obesity and musculoskeletal problems to chronic diseases linked to sedentary behaviour and erratic sleep patterns. Eye strain and mental health issues, including gaming disorder, recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), are also prevalent concerns.
The necessity for interventions aimed at raising awareness and educating gamers about balanced lifestyle habits, regular physical activity, and mental health support is evident. E-sports players typically report long periods of inactivity, with daily sedentary behaviour ranging from five and a half to 11 hours. Physical exercise has been shown to offer health benefits and improve physical performance even in e-sports players, underscoring the adverse health outcomes associated with sedentary behaviour.
The relationship between e-sports and health is complex, balancing potential benefits and risks. Cognitive benefits, such as improved reaction time and processing speed, are often cited among players. However, the physical toll is significant; many experience musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the back and wrists. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome are common due to prolonged gaming sessions.
Mental health impacts are equally profound. High stress levels and intense competition can lead to anxiety and burnout, yet gaming can also provide stress relief and enhance mental agility when managed properly. This duality illustrates the multifaceted nature of e-sports’ impact on well-being.
E-sports inherently promote a sedentary lifestyle, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, weight gain, and metabolic disorders. Lack of physical activity exacerbates these risks, causing back pain and eye fatigue among other issues. Therefore, balancing e-sports with physical exercise is crucial. Innovative approaches like exergaming and virtual reality applications that require movement can help mitigate some adverse effects. By maintaining physical fitness alongside e-sports engagement, players can achieve better overall well-being and manage conditions related to inactivity.
The digital age brings another significant concern: addiction. The engaging and competitive nature of e-sports can lead to problematic gaming behaviours and even gaming disorders. This has been extensively discussed in literature published on PubMed. Gaming addiction can exacerbate mental health disorders and negatively impact social and cultural aspects of a player’s life. Addressing these concerns requires awareness and intervention strategies to promote healthier gaming habits.
Promoting health within the e-sports community is essential. Developing and enforcing training standards that prioritise physical activity and mental health can make a difference. Health practitioners need to be aware of physical health risks and work on health promotion strategies that include regular breaks, ergonomic setups, and nutritious diets. Systematic literature reviews indicate that integrating health promotion strategies into e-sports can help mitigate adverse effects like overuse injuries and psychosocial issues.
Encouraging a balanced lifestyle that incorporates physical fitness alongside e-sports can reduce negative health outcomes and enhance players’ well-being. In this context, striking a balance is key. Monitoring playtime, ensuring ergonomic setups, promoting moderation, and providing resources for mental health are all essential steps.
In addition, E-sports governance remains fragmented with several rival bodies vying for recognition. Regulatory bodies face significant challenges in being regarded as the sport’s governing body. In e-sports, publishers own game rights and set rules of play, limiting the role of governing bodies. Experts suggest the government initial role will likely be advocacy but expect it to be a contender as e-sports governance consolidates over time.
E-sports’ rapid growth brings both opportunities and challenges. Balancing the cognitive benefits and community engagement against the physical health issues and addiction potential requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved in this dynamic industry.
