Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : 
Tragic Death of College Student Raises Concerns About Worker Exploitation and Gaming Addiction
A devastating incident has shocked the community of Ping Ding Shan Vocational and Technical College in Henan province, central China. Li Hao, a promising student in his final year, tragically passed away after engaging in an intense period of live streaming video games. The 22-year-old had been contracted by a local media company, Henan Qinyi Culture and Media Co., to stream for an astounding 240 hours over 26 days, in addition to uploading 15 short videos.
Li’s demanding schedule required him to stream for an average of 9.23 hours per day, leaving him with little time for rest, study, or other activities. On November 10, 2023, Li’s roommates discovered him unresponsive in his sleep, prompting them to rush him to the hospital. Tragically, he was pronounced dead soon after.
While the official cause of Li’s death is still pending, the circumstances surrounding his extensive streaming schedule have raised serious concerns about worker exploitation and the potential dangers of excessive gaming. Livestream records obtained by Chinese media outlets reveal that Li had streamed for a grueling five consecutive nights before his untimely demise.
According to reports, Li worked from 9 pm to 6 am each night, allowing him only a few hours for sleep and other essential activities. This demanding schedule, coupled with the pressure to fulfill his contractual obligations, likely contributed significantly to Li’s exhaustion and, ultimately, his death.
Henan Qinyi Culture and Media Co. has faced intense scrutiny following Li’s tragic passing. Critics argue that the company’s demanding schedule and lack of oversight created an environment where Li’s health and well-being were jeopardized. However, the media company denies any responsibility for Li’s death, claiming that he was not a formal employee and died in his own rented house during off-hours.
Despite the company’s denial, skepticism remains high, as Li was clearly working to meet the company’s contractual obligations at the time of his death. A “cooperation agreement” obtained by China Daily newspaper revealed that Li was obligated to livestream for 240 hours in 26 days and upload 15 short videos each month to earn a minimum salary of 3,000 yuan. It is worth noting that Li had recently transitioned to the night shift, having previously worked during the day since October.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of excessive gaming and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It also highlights the need for companies to prioritize the well-being of their employees, ensuring they are not subjected to exploitative practices that can have dire consequences.