Video gaming is now a global pastime, with billions of players, particularly young men, immersed in virtual worlds. Alongside the fun and social connection games offer, there is growing concern about unhealthy gaming habits. Terms like “gaming disorder” have entered the lexicon as parents, policymakers, and health experts worry about young men spending excessive hours on screens at the expense of their physical and mental health. But instead of viewing gaming solely as a problem, what if part of the solution lies in the games themselves? This article explores how esports – organised, competitive video gaming – might be harnessed to foster healthier habits and positive outcomes for young men.

Gaming’s Global Popularity and Pitfalls

Gaming is nearly ubiquitous among young people today. Over two billion people worldwide are gaming, and young men are at the forefront – for instance, 97% of boys in the United States report playing video games. For most, gaming is a harmless hobby. Yet, a small but significant fraction encounter real problems: the World Health Organisation officially recognised “Gaming Disorder” in 2019. A recent global review estimated that between 2-3% of gamers worldwide meet the criteria for gaming disorder – that’s potentially 60 million people. Among adolescents, the prevalence of problematic gaming typically ranges between 4.5% and 10%, with young males consistently showing higher rates than females.

Figure: Estimated prevalence of gaming disorder by group (Stevens et al., 2021; Fam, 2018).

Excessive gaming is linked to issues like poor sleep, sedentary lifestyles, social withdrawal, and declining academic or work performance. Many affected young men report difficulties with anxiety or depression and often use gaming as an escape from real-world stressors. The pandemic, like in many other places, exacerbated the issue. As real-world connections reduced, many young men retreated further into digital ones. While gaming itself isn’t inherently harmful, unhealthy gaming habits – characterised by imbalance and lack of moderation – can seriously undermine a young man’s well-being.

From Solo Play to Structured Teamwork

Esports introduces structured teamwork to gaming, often resembling traditional sports through teams, coaches, schedules, and rules. This added structure and social context may be key in turning gaming into a more positive, growth-oriented activity for young men.

Traditional sports have long had well-established safety structures, and it’s time for esports to follow suit to protect player well-being. Bringing coaching, guidelines, and a team mindset into gaming can help rewrite the rules of play for health.

Early evidence suggests esports participation encourages healthy habits. Many teenagers who wouldn’t traditionally join sports teams find community in esports clubs. At one high school in the US, nearly half of the students who signed up for the esports team reported it was their first time participating in any extracurricular activity. An Australian study reported that high school esports programs had no negative impacts on academics, health, or mental well-being. Structured environments, mentorship, and scheduled practices help students balance gaming with responsibilities, enhancing resilience and social skills.

Esports Initiatives for Health

Movember is building world-first mental health guidelines for esports players. Grassroots programs also leverage gaming to discuss mental health. For example, Gamers vs. Depression, a Movember-funded initiative, uses online gaming sessions to encourage teenage boys to discuss mental health openly and learn coping skills. These initiatives meet young men in their gaming environment, guiding them toward healthier habits.

Changing the Game for Good

When we introduce structure, purpose, and community, gaming transforms. Esports offers a chance to position gaming as a beneficial tool for young men’s health. By infusing gaming culture with mental health literacy, teamwork, ‘e-sportsmanship’, and coaching, esports could potentially foster healthier gaming habits. It’s not about quitting games but changing how they’re played – ensuring gaming supports physical activity, mental health, and real-world connections. Early initiatives demonstrate esports’ potential to improve social support and mental health conversations.

Schools, universities, leagues, and communities can support esports clubs and initiatives that emphasise balance, inclusion, and health. By rewriting the rules of play, we equip young men to enjoy gaming as part of a balanced lifestyle, turning gaming from a potential source of harm into an arena for real-life growth and well-being.

At Movember, we’re building on these early insights through three research programs focused on improving the mental health of young gamers. First, we’re co-developing international esports mental health guidelines to embed wellbeing into competitive gaming environments. Second, our Goldilocks studies explore how much gaming is “just right” — balancing psychological benefits with potential risks. And finally, our Gaming & Masculinities program investigates how online gaming cultures shape young men’s identity, behaviour, and emotional development. Together, these efforts aim to ensure that gaming isn’t just a pastime, but a powerful setting for health, connection, and personal growth.

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