γ-Aminobutyric Acid Intake Improves Psychological State and Performance in Esports: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Crossover Study.

Objective

This study focused on the effect of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) intake on psychological state and game performance during esports gameplay.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted with eight healthy male university students aged 20-24 years who regularly play esports. The participants ingested either 200 mg of GABA or a placebo prior to gameplay and then completed a standardized esports task using the Mobalytics Proving Ground™ (MPG), a perceptual-cognitive task within "League of Legends" designed to train and evaluate player performance. Subjective psychological states were assessed pre- and post-gameplay using the Profile of Mood States 2 (POMS2®) short version. Esports task performance was evaluated based on MPG scores.

Results

GABA intake significantly reduced psychological confusion-bewilderment and fatigue in the POMS 2® short version during esports gameplay. Furthermore, the game scores were significantly higher in the GABA group compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that GABA intake may serve as a potential strategy to enhance both the mental state and performance of esports players.