ENHANCE in Action: From Research to Real Change
ENHANCE is progressing towards its goal of safer, more inclusive and socially responsible esports communities. Universities, researchers, educators and esports organisations from six European countries are turning research into practical solutions for players, families and the wider ecosystem.
Five complementary work packages structure this pathway: Project Management and Coordination, Assessing, Awareness, Achieving, and Impact & Dissemination. Together they guide ENHANCE from science to education, intervention and long-term impact.
Milestones achieved
An early milestone was the scientifically validated Self-Assessment Tool. It identifies dimensions of toxic behaviour while measuring positive social factors such as gamer identity and connectedness, encouraging reflection rather than simply detecting harm.
The Survey Result Analysis (D2.2) and Research Report (D2.3) then delivered one of the first comprehensive European analyses of esports’ social side. They examine abusive communication, discrimination and disruptive gameplay alongside belonging, teamwork and identity, providing the scientific basis for later education.
Partners subsequently designed two MOOCs: one for esports players and one for parents and guardians. They provide practical knowledge for recognising toxicity, encouraging respectful communication and promoting healthier communities.
In May 2026, partners and external experts met for three days at Frederick University in Cyprus to review all ten modules and prepare implementation. This marked the transition from research and content development to testing and practical application.
The next steps
With research completed, ENHANCE is entering piloting and validation. Both MOOCs will be tested with their target audiences; participant feedback and learning outcomes will show whether resources address the real needs of players and families. At the next consortium meeting in Portugal in May 2027, partners will review results and define final improvements before release.
Meanwhile, work continues on an open-access e-learning platform, an educational repository, an ethical and inclusive code, awareness materials, policy recommendations and scientific dissemination.
A lasting Esports Social Observatory
One of the most important long-term outcomes is the Esports Social Observatory. Rather than ending with the project, it will sustain ENHANCE’s impact by collecting evidence, sharing good practices, fostering dialogue among researchers, educators and stakeholders, and monitoring esports’ social evolution across Europe.
Looking ahead
ENHANCE is more than a research project: it combines scientific evidence, education and community engagement to create lasting change. Every milestone supports a broader goal—esports environments where competition, inclusion, respect and positive social interaction thrive together.
As the project enters its final stages, the focus shifts from understanding challenges to providing practical tools that empower players, parents, educators and organisations to build healthier gaming communities across Europe.