<![CDATA[Introduction: Occupational burnout among young adult professionals has reached concerning levels, and there are more people struggling with internet gaming disorder (IGD) each day. Studies suggest these two problems feed into each other. Burnout can drive people toward gaming as an escape, and gaming can reduce work performance, which in turn increases burnout. This literature review was conducted to discuss how occupational burnout, gaming addiction, and work performance relate to one another among young professionals. Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from 2001 to 2025. Results: We included 52 relevant studies, and the findings show that each part of the cycle reinforces the others. Burnout increases escapism behaviors (r = 0.31-0.65), and escapism motivation is the strongest predictor of IGD among gaming motivations (r = 0.40); it also bridges the relationship between work stress and pathological gaming. Discuss: Most of the studies conclude that a vicious cycle exists where burnout could become gaming addiction through digital escapism, and gaming addiction decreases work productivity and then leads back into burnout. Digital escapism appears to be a crucial link in the chain. Addressing these problems requires intervention at multiple levels, organizational changes alongside individual support. Longitudinal research testing actual interventions would be a valuable next step. Conclusion: Growing interdependence between digital wellness and occupational health necessitates coordinated, multilevel interventions targeting individual, behavioral, organizational, and structural determinants. Given the substantial individual and economic burden, greater investment in longitudinal research, policy development, and rigorously evaluated interventions is essential.]]>
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