Gamer tragically dies after reportedly streaming for too long

Streaming is very much a part of the gaming community, with numerous streamers heading online to share their playthroughs and experiences. Unfortunately, however, the exhaustion of maintaining a punishing streaming schedule can result in tragedy.

A 24-year-old Chinese streamer was discovered by his roommates shallow breathing and unresponsive on 10 November after streaming for several nights in a row. Despite the efforts of the ambulance crew called to the scene, streamer Li Hao was later pronounced dead at hospital.

Multiple Chinese news outlets, including ThePaper and China Daily, have linked this tragic death to streaming for too long, with Li said to have streamed for five nights straight in order to fulfil his work contract.

Li was reportedly working for media company Henan Qinyi Culture and Media Co. as a streamer, working unforgiving hours to reach the supposed work schedule of 240 hours of streaming in just 26 days. And all for the minimum sum of 3,000 yuan, which is roughly $420, according to reports.

The gamer streamed from 9pm until 6am each night between 5 and 10 November, the day Li’s friends found him. Despite the obvious fact that the schedule is incredibly demanding, Henan Qinyi has denied any responsibility for Li’s death, saying, “We provide the location and we take a commission from his tips, and it's just a simple cooperation.”

However, according to Gamer Rant, a company spokesperson admitted that many of its streamers have struggled to find a work-life balance. What is more, the media company has agreed to pay Li’s family 5,000 yuan ($700), out of what they’ve referred to as an act of “humanitarianism”.

There’s no escaping that work-life balance is a known issue, with many people, not just streamers, unable to find their equilibrium. Many risks are associated with sitting for prolonged periods of time, as well as going without sleep when your body needs it.

We send our condolences to Li’s family during this difficult time, and hope no more tragedies like this one occur again.