Esports is a sizable industry only growing larger. The competitive rigor required from competitors in various esports means training in the same manner as an athlete might for a physical sport, but behind a screen rather than out in a field.

While the esports industry may be large, however, no level of virtual competition can currently compete with the business infrastructure behind traditional sports. This means that, despite their level of commitment, players sometimes lack sufficient certain resources. Sometimes this can mean that professional team compete without a mental health support staff, something that’s a staple of teams in traditional sports at the pro level. In an effort to promote mental well-being among not just its own team members but esports players and fans at large, Cloud9 has just announced a partnership with Kaiser Permanente focused on discussions around mental health.

Their joint initiative is called “Presence of Mind,” and is aimed at younger players, who may be more likely to lack mental health knowledge. Through gaming, those behind the initiative hope to reach this younger audience with their message that can apply to all facets of life.

This means that experts on mental well-being from Kaiser Permanente will engage with Cloud9’s audience through a new series on Twitch. On the team’s side of things, players, staff and community moderators who are a part of the Cloud9 organization will all receive mental health training and support too.

Don Mordecai, who is the National Leader for Mental and Behavioral Health with Kaiser Permanente, explained that this partnership’s timing is crucial, as the importance of good mental health has only amplified by the current pandemic and the new stressors it’s introducing to the lives of many. Gaming and even esports have both grown in popularity too as a result of the increase in those staying at home, without traditional sports to watch. Keeping these activities fun and healthy is in turn a priority for this new initiative.

Jack Etienne, who is the CEO and Founder of Cloud9, echoed this sentiment and expressed his hope that this partnership might set an example for others in the esports community. Gaming and esports both, he explained, are “a refuge for so many during this pandemic, and we want our fans and our players at their healthiest, both mentally and physically.”

Source: Esports Insider