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ENHANCE Releases the WP2 Research Deliverables on Toxicity and Social Dynamics in Esports

The ENHANCE project – The Social Side of eSports – is pleased to announce the publication of two key deliverables developed within Work Package 2 (WP2) – Assessing the Social Side of Online Gaming and Esports.

These public resources represent a major milestone in the project’s effort to better understand toxic behaviours, social dynamics, and community interactions within competitive online gaming environments across Europe.

Research Report – Deliverable D2.3

The first document, the Research Report (Deliverable D2.3), presents an extensive analysis of toxicity and prosocial behaviours in esports and online gaming communities.

  • A non-traditional analysis of digital gaming environments such as Reddit, Discord, Twitch, forums, and livestream communities
  • A systematic literature review of academic studies and validated measurement tools related to toxic behaviour in gaming
  • The development and validation pathway of a new multidimensional self-assessment tool designed specifically for grassroots esports players aged 16–26

Toxic behaviours analysed

  • Verbal abuse and flaming
  • Harassment and cyberbullying
  • Sexism and discriminatory practices
  • Cheating and griefing
  • Gatekeeping and exclusion
  • Doxxing and real-world invasive behaviours

Positive social impacts of gaming

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Inclusion and community engagement
  • Leadership and communication skills
  • Emotional support and mental well-being
  • Friendship and social belonging

ENHANCE Self-Assessment Tool

The deliverable introduces the ENHANCE Self-Assessment Tool, a scientifically grounded questionnaire designed to help players, educators, organisations, and stakeholders identify and understand toxic dynamics in competitive gaming contexts.

Why these deliverables matter

With millions of young people participating daily in online gaming environments, understanding the social side of esports has become increasingly important.

  • Raise awareness about toxic behaviours
  • Promote safer and more inclusive gaming cultures
  • Support players, educators, and families
  • Strengthen positive and prosocial interactions within esports ecosystems
  • Educational materials
  • MOOC modules
  • Awareness campaigns
  • Community engagement activities
  • Future ENHANCE Esports Social Observatory

Download the Deliverables

Research Report – Deliverable D2.3 Self-Assessment Tool – WP2 Deliverable

The ENHANCE consortium invites esports organisations, educators, researchers, youth workers, players, and policymakers to explore the findings and contribute to building healthier digital gaming environments across Europe.