Technology-Driven Education: Insights from Collegiate Esports

This case study investigated how collegiate eSports players navigate the physical, mental, social, and academic challenges associated with competitive gaming, with a focus on its implications for adult education. Through in-depth interviews, the study explored players' diverse gaming routines, perceptions of excessive gaming, and strategies for balancing competing demands. While eSports participation fosters cognitive skills, social bonding, and career opportunities, it also presents risks such as physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, stress, and exposure to toxic gaming behaviors. A key finding is that the eleven students independently developed strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of integrating comprehensive support systems—such as physical activity initiatives, mental health resources, and academic support—within collegiate eSports programs. These insights are particularly relevant for adult education, as they highlight the need for targeted interventions that promote a balanced lifestyle, enhance well-being, and leverage eSports as a dynamic platform for skill development and lifelong learning.