The "Grinding Culture": Why We Can Do Better

TrAiDoS

Germany220 Posts

March 13 2025 15:33 GMT

Hello friends,

"Anecdotal evidence suggests that current approaches to training [in esports] may be suboptimal in terms of performance and, concerningly, linked to negative consequences for player health and well-being." But is this really the case? Are the established training practices—the "grinding culture"—ineffective or even harmful to players?

[DISCLAIMER]: The article is written for my weekly newsletter, and published on my website. A new episode comes out every Sunday (directly into your inbox and on my website).

Have a great week,
Christian

andrewphilip

3 Posts

March 16 2025 14:38 GMT

--- Nuked ---

JimmyJRaynor

Canada17463 Posts

March 20 2025 20:15 GMT

Sitting motionless for hours in solitude staring into a flat screen might be harmful to your health? whodathunkit. Myopia rates are skyrocketing worldwide as the video game hobby grows.

I much prefer Barcades and PC Bangs. They are more fun and far healthier. Playing games like Jenga, Bubble Hockey, Foosball, and Air Hockey at a Barcade in a social setting is much better for your health than at-home PC gaming. The above mentioned games are also much better for your vision.

Among other reasons, Barcades//PC Bangs are much healthier because you are out. What is "out" you say?

TrAiDoS

Germany220 Posts

March 23 2025 12:35 GMT

On March 16 2025 23:38 andrewphilip wrote:
Maybe a more structured, balanced training approach could be more effective?

Absolutely! There's currently a lot going on in the gaming/esports research community that focuses on mental health, coaches, and more effective (healthier) ways of training. However, the "problem" is that players in general probably grind too much. Think about it, before you even join a (semi-)professional team, you've already been grinding games for years and years. Also, the players who actually start training (in [semi-]professional teams or by themselves) instead of just recreational gaming are in the minority.
In my opinion, we should focus way more on educating the masses instead of those who already "know" that (professionals) and, likely, change their training routines.

Cheers,
Christian

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