Introduction
The exponential growth of the esports industry has transformed competitive gaming into a global
phenomenon, attracting millions of players and spectators worldwide. As esports continues to
professionalize, concerns regarding the mental health of its participants have emerged as a
critical issue. Esports athletes often face intense training schedules, performance pressures, and
the challenges of maintaining a public persona, all of which can contribute to mental health
struggles such as anxiety, depression, and burnout [Link]
need-to-embrace-esports/.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the esports industry necessitates a proactive
approach to addressing these mental health concerns. Organizations involved in esports have a
duty to implement policies and practices that support the psychological well-being of players,
aligning with broader societal expectations and ethical standards. This responsibility is
underscored by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure
healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Nyström et al. (2022) identify sustainability issues in the esports industry, highlighting the need
for comprehensive strategies that encompass not only environmental and economic aspects but
also social dimensions such as mental health. Despite the recognition of these challenges, there
remains a paucity of academic research focused on CSR initiatives targeting mental health in
esports. This literature review seeks to critically evaluate existing studies on the subject, identify
gaps in the current knowledge, and explore case studies of organizations that have implemented
mental health support mechanisms within the esports context.
Literature Review Body
A. CSR and Mental Health in Esports: A Conceptual Framework
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has traditionally emphasized environmental and economic aspects,
but social responsibilities, especially mental health, are increasingly gaining recognition in high-
performance industries like esports. Carroll’s CSR Pyramid (1991) is relevant here, encompassing four
responsibilities: economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic. Mental health initiatives lie at the
intersection of ethical and philanthropic responsibilities — they are not only expected but reflect the
organization’s commitment to wellbeing beyond profit.
Nyström et al. (2022) stress that sustainable development in esports must include social sustainability,
including fair labor conditions, inclusive environments, and psychological wellbeing. These
considerations link directly to UN SDG 3, which calls for global action to ensure healthy lives and
wellbeing at all ages.
Mental health in esports also relates to Stakeholder Theory (Freeman, 1984), which argues that
organizations must consider all parties affected by their operations — including players, streamers,
coaches, and fans — all of whom can be negatively impacted by the culture and practices of competitive
gaming organizations.
B. Industry Pressures and Mental Health Challenges
Esports athletes face high expectations, irregular sleep patterns, long training hours, and significant
online harassment — all contributing to mental strain. Research by Poulus et al. (2020) shows that
stressors in esports include performance anxiety, organizational instability, and interpersonal conflicts.
These factors often mirror those in traditional sports but are intensified by the 24/7 digital environment
and lack of institutional support.
Smith et al. (2019) identify burnout and emotional exhaustion as common among elite players,
especially when they lack coping strategies. Similarly, Singh et al. (2023) emphasize that players in low-
and middle-income countries face additional socio-economic stressors, including limited access to
psychological resources.
The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model helps contextualize this, showing how high performance
demands without corresponding emotional or organizational support can lead to mental health
deterioration and disengagement.
C. CSR Failures and Gaps in Mental Health Support
Despite growing awareness, many esports organizations lag in implementing robust CSR policies
addressing mental health. There is often an overemphasis on commercial success without adequate
consideration for player welfare. Nyström et al. (2022) point out that while some progress has been
made (e.g., DEI initiatives, event code of conduct), mental health remains "peripheral or reactionary" in
many CSR strategies.
Moreover, there is a cultural stigma around mental illness in gaming, where toughness and resilience
are often misinterpreted as silence and endurance. Studies by Smith et al. (2022) show that many
players do not seek help due to fear of appearing weak, risking team selection, or facing ridicule online.
From a CSR standpoint, this reveals a failure to address stakeholder needs ethically. Organizations that
fail to support mental health are breaching both their ethical responsibilities (ensuring employee
wellbeing) and strategic goals (retaining talent, reducing turnover).
D. Case Study Analysis: Mental Health CSR in Practice
1. Team Liquid
Team Liquid has taken notable steps toward incorporating wellness in its infrastructure. In 2021, it
partnered with Alienware to open "Alienware Training Facilities," which include wellness rooms and
mental performance coaches. The organization employs performance staff to support athlete
conditioning and psychology, although these programs are not yet fully standardized across all teams.
While commendable, these efforts are rarely reported in CSR frameworks or sustainability reports —
reflecting a transparency gap.
2. FaZe Clan
FaZe Clan, one of the most recognizable esports brands, has faced both criticism and praise. The
organization was previously criticized for encouraging toxic online behavior and overworking young
talent. However, it recently announced partnerships to promote mental health awareness, including
joining Take This, a nonprofit that combats stigma around mental health in gaming. These partnerships
suggest an evolving understanding of CSR but are sometimes reactive rather than preventive.
3. G2 Esports
G2 Esports, based in Berlin, has incorporated sports psychologists and mental performance training into
its player development. CEO Carlos Rodriguez previously emphasized “player health over tournament
wins” in media interviews. However, G2 lacks formal CSR documentation, and initiatives seem to rely on
leadership discretion rather than codified policy, raising questions about long-term sustainability.
Each of these organizations illustrates partial alignment with CSR principles — especially ethical and
philanthropic responsibilities — but also highlights inconsistencies, lack of transparency, and an absence
of industry-wide benchmarking.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Conclusion
This literature review critically evaluated the state of corporate social responsibility regarding mental
health within the esports industry. The findings reveal that although awareness of mental health is
increasing, formal CSR policies addressing it are underdeveloped and inconsistently implemented across
organizations.
Esports professionals experience unique stressors, including digital overexposure, high performance
demands, and occupational instability. These challenges are compounded by organizational gaps in
mental health infrastructure, limited reporting transparency, and cultural stigma. While some teams
(e.g., Team Liquid, G2 Esports) show emerging good practice, the industry lacks standardized CSR
frameworks tailored to psychological wellbeing.
These findings support Nyström et al.’s (2022) claim that esports’ sustainability issues are not only
environmental or economic but profoundly social. Addressing mental health as a CSR priority is essential
for the sustainable growth of esports and its alignment with UN SDG 3.
Recommendations
1. Standardize Mental Health Protocols Across the Industry
Develop a shared set of guidelines (similar to traditional sports) that cover access to mental
health professionals, training breaks, and psychological safety policies.
2. Integrate Mental Health into CSR Reports
Organizations should publicly report wellness initiatives in CSR or ESG documents, ensuring
transparency and accountability.
3. Mandatory Mental Health Education for Staff and Players
Implement ongoing training to destigmatize mental health issues and promote early
intervention.
4. Third-Party Certification of Wellness Standards
An independent body (e.g., in partnership with WHO or mental health NGOs) should evaluate
and certify esports organizations based on their mental health policies.
5. Collaborative Initiatives
Leagues and tournament organizers should partner with nonprofits (e.g., Take This) and health
institutions to provide on-site or online counseling services.
6. Youth-Focused Policies
Young esports athletes need additional protections. CSR strategies must include parental
guidance, health screenings, and regulated play hours for under-18 players.
