Duty of Care in Esports: Ensuring Mental Wellbeing and Physical Health of Esports Players

Abstract

This paper examines the perspectives of esports players on organizational support for ensur-ing and enhancing their mental wellbeing and physical health throughout their esports ca-reers. Drawing insights from one of the most substantial datasets in the field, to the author’s knowledge, a total of 33 participants – professional (n = 21), semi-professional (n = 6), ama-teur (n = 4), and retired players (n = 2) – were recruited for the study. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, allowing for in-depth exploration of participants’ responses. Thematic analysis was then conducted, identifying three key themes: (a) Limited organiza-tional support available, (b) Demand for psychological and mental support, and (c) Im-portance of maintaining fitness and addressing physical health issues. The results indicate that organizational support was limited, highlighting a critical need for further attention from stakeholders. The findings emphasize the importance of providing comprehensive support to enhance esports players’ performance and overall wellbeing. This includes a strong focus on promoting mental wellbeing and physical health, which are crucial for sustaining long-term success and health in the competitive esports environment. Hence, the key stakeholders in the esports industry should take action to establish effective support systems that prioritize players’ physical health and mental wellbeing, drawing this empirical evidence. The findings indicate a potential need for culturally sensitive interventions to address the unique psycho-logical needs of esports players from diverse backgrounds. Further, by implementing such interventions, esports industry can foster a more supportive and effective environment for its players.