Electronic sports (esports) are gamified interactions driven by electronic modules that interact with participants through a computer interface [1]. These interactions can be cooperative or competitive. We think of it as a game when individuals or groups compete against each other with a certain set of rules. Games are played, developed, and won with tactics and strategies that increase cognitive flexibility [2]. On the other hand, team sports such as rowing, hockey, and soccer provide unique social skills. In general, concepts such as fan base, financial rewards, fitness and training styles are associated with all traditional sports. Today, esports, like many collaborative and competitive endeavors around the world, is growing and attracting more and more audiences [3]. Over the years, it has participated in sports festivals around the world. Between 2018 and 2021, there are more than 400 million esports viewers worldwide, and the audience is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The pandemic allowed this trend to increase. The total revenue of esports players worldwide is expected to exceed $500 million by the end of 2023 [4].
Exercise can improve reflexes and eye coordination, but the data seems to be mixed [5]. Physical activity, attention and awareness are enhanced by some of these games [6]. At the beginning of the COVID era, esports provided a sense of community and engagement for players and participants, although it was accompanied by threats to cybersecurity and intellectual property [7]. Unlike traditional sports, esports seem to have unique health disadvantages. Long-term users of video games report eye strain and a higher frequency of refractive errors [8]. Some games are associated with high levels of stress and fatigue. Video games can also disrupt sleep patterns [9].
This article discusses the above information related to esports and video games. We realize that there is a gap in knowledge about esports and cardiovascular health. While other health practices can boast of improving cardiovascular performance, esports is difficult to manage in this regard. Do esports damage the heart in the long run? Are there benefits or advantages to cardiovascular disease or death when it comes to esports? Are the effects user specific? In addition, we tried to determine the effects of sports on mental health. Addiction, arguments, depression, and anxiety have been reported. This article seeks to determine whether these tools are tools that can be targeted to improve mental health, or whether they are a source of future problems.
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