Sport psychology in a virtual world: Considerations for practitioners working in eSports

Abstract

Recent technological advances have steadily led to the increased popularity of videogames. With computers more readily accessible, videogames have become more popular than ever (Murphy, 2009). As the player-base increases for videogames, so have competitive opportunities for participants in these online-based performances, and opportunities for mental skills services in this area. Given the unique technological facets of this performance domain, this article provides sport psychology practitioners with information regarding eSports as an arena for mental skills training, challenges and benefits associated with consultation in eSports, and ethical considerations and best practice suggestions for applied work in this area.

Keywords:

• Consultations
• eSports
• ethics
• technology