Esports, Digital Professionals, and Higher Education: An Autoethnography of an Administrator’s Experience with Liminality

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Ammeter, Tony; Jarvenpaa, Sirkka

Abstract: Professional identity is a means for continued livelihood and, in this digitizi ... Expand

Abstract: Professional identity is a means for continued livelihood and, in this digitizing world, is in constant flux. Constantly changing occupational roles and professional classes are liminal, that is, they are increasingly "betwixt and between" formerly legitimized, stable categories. If, as current writings on the future of work suggest, a need for liminality in work identities persists, how will institutions of higher education help their students acquire "permanent" liminality? Through the eyes of an administrator at a mid-sized higher education institution, we examine how a university creates a new learning environment under the umbrella of esports. The findings raise questions about digital transitions in higher education and about liminality and the future of work by highlighting esports as a liminal category. The study contributes to the literature on the future of work by offering insights into higher education challenges to "institutionalize" liminality and to prepare future digital professionals. Collapse

Topics: esport IT workforce evaluation criteria electronic mail

Methods: qualitative interview triangulation

Process and Strategy Mining in Real-Time Strategy Games

2023 | International Conference on Business Informatics | Citations: 0

Authors: Elbert, Nico; Stein, Nikolai; Flath, Christoph M.

Abstract: In this study, we introduce a data-driven approach for process mining in real-t ... Expand

Abstract: In this study, we introduce a data-driven approach for process mining in real-time strategy (RTS) games, which serve as a proxy for corporate decision processes. By analyzing decision sequences in gaming environments, we uncover strategic behaviors impacting performance and match outcomes. Our methodology leverages game data, enriching process mining research and providing implications for strategic planning in business process management. Collapse

Topics: process mining strategic management business process management decision support decision making

Methods: cluster analysis Petri net modeling language XGBoost event log

Esports Players’ Transition out of Esports: Is There Life After Esports?

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Hong, Hee Jung; Hong, Seung Han

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore retired/retiring esports players’ experi ... Expand

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore retired/retiring esports players’ experience of transitioning out of esports. To provide in-depth insights into esports players’ transition experiences that may contribute to young players being better prepared for their own transitions, a qualitative approach was applied and four retired professional esports players in South Korea were interviewed. Thematic analysis was applied, and four themes were identified: Pressure and Uncertainty; Lack of Pre-Retirement Planning; Need for Mentorship; Need for Realism about Talent. The findings highlight that esports players experience pressure and struggle with job/finance insecurity during their careers, and that this contributes significantly to their retirement decisions. Lack of pre-retirement planning causes them to be ill-prepared for their life after esports. The study provides empirical evidence which should encourage the industry and stakeholders to establish structured systems to support esports players’ transitions out of esports. Collapse

Topics: esport IT career anonymity IT job insecurity competitive advantage

Methods: qualitative interview conceptual modelling qualitative content analysis literature study personal interview

FACILITATING AMATEUR ESPORTS PARTICIPATION AMONG MASS GAMERS: A SERIOUS LEISURE PERSPECTIVE

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Ke, Xiaobo; Wagner, Christian

Abstract: The sustainable success of sports depends on a well-developed amateur participa ... Expand

Abstract: The sustainable success of sports depends on a well-developed amateur participation base. The important role of amateur participation is transferring to esports, a professionalized form of organized video game competition. While esports has enjoyed considerable popularity, concerns about its viability are growing, as its revenue displays an increasingly slow growth and is small. Recently, amateur esports has been emerging to support esports sustainability, although little is known about mass gamers' amateur esports participation. To understand the phenomenon and facilitate its development, adopting the serious leisure perspective and affordance theory, we investigate relationships between mass gamers' video game engagement and their amateur esports participation. Specifically, two serious leisure-based gaming experiences influencing amateur esports participation are identified, enabling us to confirm two game affordances for developing both experiences. This study enriches our knowledge of amateur esports development by explaining how video game engagement facilitates amateur esports participation from a serious leisure perspective. Collapse

Topics: esport video game user experience affordance usability

Methods: survey PLS tool data transformation factor analysis partial least squares regression

Theories: theory of affordance

Gambling in Digital Games and Esports: A Scoping Review

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Mattinen, Topias; Macey, Joseph; Hamari, Juho

Abstract: The convergence of gaming and gambling has become increasingly prominent in rece ... Expand

Abstract: The convergence of gaming and gambling has become increasingly prominent in recent years, most notably in the context of esports. Consequently, there has been a recent surge of literature investigating this phenomenon. This convergence is often driven by the commercial advantages it offers, yet there are concerns over the effects of mixing gambling with gaming, both in relation to the quality of experiences, and possible ethical problems. In this scoping review of the related corpus, we explore the development of work addressing the presence of gambling associated with digital games; examining methodologies, research topics, the specific gambling activities addressed, and identifying gaps present in the field. The body of literature reviewed consists of peer-reviewed, English language publications (n=132). Our findings indicate a sharp increase in yearly publications in the late 2010s, attributed partly due to rising interest in novel gambling activities, such as loot boxes. We recommend future research incorporates both qualitative and mixed methods research to provide the field with results unavailable at current time. Collapse

Topics: database system video game loot box esport website

Methods: structured literature research mixed method qualitative content analysis literature study archival research

From Digital Subcultures to Destination Tourism: Profiling Attendees at Multi Genre Festivals

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Mccauley, Brian; Ehlers, Annika; Kopanidis, Foula; Helmefalk, Miralem

Abstract: The rise and connectivity of digital subcultures are increasingly influencing de ... Expand

Abstract: The rise and connectivity of digital subcultures are increasingly influencing destination tourism. This study provides an understanding of a multi genre festival within the wider context of popular ‘geek’ culture and its increasing role in events and destination tourism. Through profiling the characteristics and experiences of visitors attending Nordsken, an annual festival in Northern Sweden, we profile segments and provide insights on attendees. Based on a survey of festival visitors, this study revealed five distinct clusters (Digital Gamer, Enthusiastic Nerd, Analogue Fan, Spectator & Follower and Creative Player) based on interests and activities. Experiences of the event were relatively similar for all clusters indicating that multi genre festivals can create memorable experiences for a broad audience with a variety of interests rooted in digital cultures. Through understanding and developing target audiences, regions can leverage multi genre festivals as platforms to enhance regional digitalization. Collapse

Topics: esport Facebook video game electronic mail

Methods: chi squared test survey ANOVA parametric test cluster analysis

That Birdie Feeling: Understanding the Role of LAN Organizers in Maintaining a Gaming Community

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Mccauley, B.; Scholz, T.; Tierney, K.

Abstract: This paper presents the initial findings of a longitudinal study examining the ... Expand

Abstract: This paper presents the initial findings of a longitudinal study examining the role and experiences of LAN organizers in managing player communities pre, during and post the Covid 19 pandemic. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze interviews with organizers of the Birdie LAN, Sweden's longest running LAN event. Five key themes were identified reflecting the roles of organizers and their experiences pre pandemic. (1) building and maintaining the culture, (2) encouraging inclusivity and community building, (3) negotiating professionalism, (4) learning, adapting and evolving, (5) creating sustainability through a future orientation. This paper presents the results of the first data collection to examine the impacts of the pandemic on grassroots gaming communities. The findings here represent a foundation in understanding the role of community leaders in maintaining a culture around gaming. These initial findings add value to our understanding of grassroots esports and player communities and the social practices of gaming in the modern era. Collapse

Topics: esport pandemic participatory design live streaming platform video game

Methods: qualitative interview qualitative coding longitudinal research theory development design methodology

Smurfs, Silvers & CS:GO: Understanding Smurfing as Prosumers

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Mccauley, Brian

Abstract: Esports games can be seen as platform based prosumption experiences as players c ... Expand

Abstract: Esports games can be seen as platform based prosumption experiences as players co-produce their media experiences through play. This can be viewed as peer-to-peer prosumption where users create value between themselves for emotional and social outcomes. Smurfing represents a form of play where higher skilled users compete with lower skilled players through an alternative account that ensures a mismatch in skill abilities. Through an auto-netnographic approach augmented with interviews on the CS:GO matchmaking platform, this paper provides new insights on a common practice that has received little attention to date. Three key themes were identified that illustrate that this complex phenomenon should not always be framed in a negative fashion. Smurfing should be understood as embedded within peer-to-peer prosumer platforms, driven by complex motivations and framed as cheating according to perspective. The concept has value for further study in gaming and esports with wider implications for the digital society. Collapse

Topics: esport innovation management

Methods: qualitative interview qualitative content analysis qualitative coding field study personal interview

Toward Successful Esports Team: How Does National Diversity Affect Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Video Games

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Nyćkowiak, Justyna; Kołodziej, Tomasz; Jasny, Michał; Siuda, Piotr

Abstract: Today, esports teams in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games are often c ... Expand

Abstract: Today, esports teams in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games are often composed of players from around the world. The paper asks whether a greater national heterogeneity of professional esports teams means their higher effectiveness. Desk research data of 13 tournaments of Dota 2 game held in 2011-2018 is used to calculate the teams’ win ratio, i.e., the ratio of skirmishes (in all matches) won to the total number of skirmishes (match is a series of skirmishes). Hence, effectiveness is understood not as ranks or matches won, but as the lowest possible number of lost skirmishes. Multinational teams achieved a higher win ratio, compared to nationally homogenous teams and the analysis includes the role of coaches’ nationalities. Working groups, cognitive diversity, and similarity/attraction theories are used to signal potential reasons and consequences of diversity on team performance. This exploratory study indicates future research threads on esports teams’ national diversity. Collapse

Topics: esport website streaming service social media database system

Methods: desk research descriptive statistic

Introduction to the Minitrack on Esports

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Siuda, Piotr; Hedlund, David; Behnke, Maciej

Abstract: Research on esports is a relatively new, yet fastgrowing discipline with multip ... Expand

Abstract: Research on esports is a relatively new, yet fastgrowing discipline with multiple inter-and multidisciplinary perspectives. For HICSS-56, research was solicited from multiple disciplines, including but not limited to business; cognitive science and psychology; information technology; sociology; media studies and communications; law; health, wellness, and medical sciences; and emerging technology. In total, eleven manuscripts from multiple disciplines were received and subjected to peer and editorial review. Of those eleven, five were accepted for presentation and publication. Introduction of the Esports minitrack and the accepted research is discussed. Collapse

Topics: esport video game YouTube

Methods: structured literature research literature sample