"Digital Athletics: The Convergence of Esports and Traditional Sports" likely explores the fascinating intersection between the digital realm of competitive gaming and the physical world of traditional sports. This book presumably delves into how esports is increasingly adopting structures, training regimens, and business models similar to traditional sports, while also examining how traditional sports are embracing digital elements and esports-style engagement. It may analyze the shared challenges and opportunities in areas such as athlete development, fan engagement, media rights, and sponsorships. The book probably investigates how the lines between digital and physical athletics are blurring, with esports athletes requiring physical fitness and traditional athletes honing their skills in video game versions of their sports. It likely discusses the potential for crossover events, hybrid sports, and the integration of esports into major sporting institutions like the Olympics. By examining this convergence, the book aims to provide insights into the future of competitive entertainment and athletics in an increasingly digital world.

This research examines the various ways that video games, particularly esports, have been leveraged for content production and fan engagement (i.e., gamification) in traditional sports during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as sports fans' reactions in relation to their motives, points of attachment, and other consumer behavior. The study presents a sports-gaming convergence framework and identifies six popular gamification modes where video games and traditional sports converge during the pandemic. The survey results further reveal that gamification content is not consumed as simply a "substitute" for traditional sports, but instead a complementary yet unique product. In conclusion, the authors suggest that it is critical to recognize the differences between fans of video games and fans of traditional sports concerning market segmentation. Nevertheless, esports could effectively bridge these two industries and their consumers by enriching the content offering and extending distribution channels.

As esports is one of the new and rapidly growing sports programs at the collegiate level, today’s campus leaders are increasingly asked to navigate the complexity of esports. This practical volume helps higher education professionals understand the expanding role of collegiate esports, describing the ecosystem of college esports and the experience for college players, as well as the connections between gaming and career preparation. Chapter authors offer an overview and practical look at the main structures and issues facing collegiate esports programs, athletes, and administrators. Chapters address the needs of the campus gaming community, building gender and racial inclusivity, athlete health, amateurism and the esports athlete, the role of the technology industry, governance, career paths, and coaching. This cutting-edge volume offers information to support campus leaders and practitioners in building and expanding collegiate esports programs in the quickly growing and changing aspects of both online and face-to-face campus communities.

This book provides important new insights into social issues in the rapidly growing field of esports, filling a gap in the literature that has, until now, been dominated by business and management perspectives. Bringing together leading esports experts from Europe, North America, and Australia, the book provides new sociological analyses that define and locate esports in social studies. It explores key issues in esports and in the wider sociology of sport, including gender equity, diversity, cheating and doping, physical and mental health, and issues related to the governance of esports. Presenting new empirical research alongside critical, theoretical perspectives, the book addresses themes such as digitalisation, technology, equality, innovation, and welfare, suggesting directions for future research and highlighting implications for practice and development in the esports industry. This is essential reading for advanced students, researchers, and practitioners working in esports, the sociology of sport, gaming studies, media studies, sociology, or the interaction of ICT and wider society.

Welcome to the world of E-sports and Competitive Gaming! In this book, we embark on a captivating journey to explore the fascinating realm of E-sports and its ever-expanding influence on the global stage. As the E-sports industry continues to gain momentum, captivating the hearts and minds of millions worldwide, it has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends borders, languages, and backgrounds. E-sports, short for electronic sports, represents a convergence of skill, strategy, and passion in the digital arena. What once began as casual gaming has now evolved into a highly organized and competitive domain, boasting professional players, dedicated teams, and enthusiastic fans. The rise of E-sports has brought a new dimension to the world of sports and entertainment, captivating audiences with its intense competitions, heart-stopping moments, and exhilarating gameplay. In this book, we delve into various aspects of E-sports, from its historical origins to its present-day prominence. We examine the impact of E-sports on society, culture, and the economy, as well as its implications for the future. Moreover, we explore the psychology of players, the role of technology, and the intersection of E-sports with traditional sports and media. Throughout our exploration, we shine a light on the vibrant and diverse E-sports community. We address gender representation and equality, recognizing the contributions of women in E-sports and advocating for a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Additionally, we examine the relationship between E-sports and health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being in this fast-paced and demanding world. This book is not just a celebration of E-sports' achievements; it is also an invitation to ponder the potential of this growing industry. We discuss its significance as a platform for social change, education, and community engagement, inspiring readers to explore how E-sports can positively impact their lives and those around them. As we navigate through the chapters, we encounter stories of triumph, innovation, and perseverance. We delve into the lives of E-sports athletes, content creators, and industry leaders, gaining insights into their dedication and passion for their craft. From grassroots competitions to grand international tournaments, E-sports continues to captivate and unite people from all walks of life. We extend our gratitude to the E-sports community, whose boundless enthusiasm and support have paved the way for the growth and recognition of this extraordinary industry. We also acknowledge the researchers, professionals, and enthusiasts who have dedicated their time and expertise to advancing our understanding of E-sports and its impact. It is our hope that this book will serve as a comprehensive guide, providing valuable knowledge to both seasoned E-sports enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Let us embark on this exhilarating journey together, as we explore the world of E-sports and Competitive Gaming, and glimpse into the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. Welcome to the realm of E-sports - where passion, talent, and innovation converge to shape the future of competitive gaming.

The Routledge Handbook of Digital Sport Management provides students, researchers, and practitioners with a contemporary roadmap of the impact of digital technologies in sport management, at all levels and in all sectors, in a global context. Divided into three sections addressing digital transformations, digital tools, and emerging digital issues, this book explores the impact of digital technology in the core functional areas of sport management, such as sponsorship, event management, and human resources. It introduces essential digital innovations such as esports, social media, VR, wearables, analytics, and artificial intelligence, and examines the debates and issues that are likely to shape and transform sport business over the next decade. The only book to survey the full sweep of digital sport management, this book is an essential reference for all serious students of sport business and management, any researcher working in the nexus of sport business and digital, and all managers, policy-makers or associated professionals working in the sport industry.

Global esports explores the recent surge of esports in the global scene and comprehensively discusses people's understanding of this spectacle. By historicizing and institutionalizing esports, the contributors analyze the rapid growth of esports and its implications in culture and digital economy. Dal Yong Jin curates a discussion as to why esports has become a global phenomenon. From games such as Spacewar to Starcraft to Overwatch, a key theme, distinguishing this collection from others, is a potential shift of esports from online to mobile gaming. The book addresses why many global game players and fans play and enjoy online and mobile games in professional game competitions, and therefore, they investigate the manner in which the transfer to, from and between online and mobile gaming culture is occurring in a specific subset of global youth. The remaining focus identifies the major platforms used to enjoy esports, including broadcasting and smartphones. By analyzing these unexamined or less-discussed agendas, this book sheds light on the current debates on the growth of global esports culture.