This year's issue contains several articles about eSports. This time there are more research articles included. The topics range from research about eSports spectatorship, the informal roles in Counter-Strike Teams, a potential reverse gamification effect, the chances of eSports being an Olympic discipline, the connection between League of Legend teams and the owning corporations, the ergonomics in eSports and the health perception of gamers, to the potential shift in FPS games. The book is a statement: eSports is not only booming in the business context but increasingly gains attention in research as well.

The sixth edition of the eSports yearbook focuses on the recent developments in the scene. Especially with the ongoing professionalization, there is an increase in academic research observable. The topics range from governance and institutionalization of the eSports industry to the continuing professionalization of companies involved in the industry. Still, sponsoring stays crucial for the survivability of businesses in eSports. Furthermore, critical issues such as nationalism and censorship will be discussed. The book highlights the development of eSports from being a niche phenomenon towards becoming a central part of modern society.

The seventh edition of the eSports Yearbook is influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting recent developments in the scene. The topics range from economic sustainability highlighting dynamic capabilities, the potential threat of video game publisher and sponsors, intercultural management and community building in Pokémon eSports to social sustainability discussing the grassroots development, the debate about Olympic eSports, state recognition in France, and the challenge of being an eSports athlete. Finally, the risks in terms of stakeholder responsibility are discussed. The book highlights the slowed development but eSports is becoming a central part of modern society.

In our latest yearbook, we explore the strategic dynamics and global impact of eSports, highlighting the revolution of intelligent agents, the fusion of traditional sports, and insights into legal and economic challenges. Personal stories showcase the potential for career development within the vibrant gaming community. This edition celebrates the resilience and spirit of eSports, emphasizing its promising future in competitive gaming. Join us in examining the innovations, cultural shifts, and the passionate community driving the industry forward.

This book takes a close look at branding and sponsorship in sport in the age of digital media. It examines how branding and sponsorship have evolved in response to the challenges and opportunities of new technologies. Featuring the work of leading international sport business researchers from four continents and twelve countries, the book explores key contemporary topics including esports, Name and Image Likeness (NIL) rights, viewer experience, machine learning, social media use by athletes, sport migration, and the impact of COVID-19. It presents cutting-edge cases and new data across sports and events including the Olympics, the NBA, international football, the rafting world championships, and collegiate sports. The book is an essential resource for advanced students, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers working in sport business and management, sport marketing, digital marketing, marketing communications or brand management.

The global phenomenon of eSports has experienced exponential growth in recent years, gaining interest from the media, sports and technology industries. Being born digital, global and agile, competitive gaming appeals to a young and emerging audience, and therefore the management of businesses within the eSports industry requires a unique strategy. Presenting a short history of the industry and an overview of its various stakeholders, the author explores how important governing principles have emerged to culminate in a business model network. An insightful read for scholars researching innovation, eBusiness and strategy, this book takes a pioneering approach and examines potential implications for the future of eSports.

This year issue contains several articles about major eSport topics in 2013 and 2014. André Fagundes Pase and Heelary Schultz wrote about Brazil. Matt Demers wrote a detailed story about commentators. Dominik Härig and Tilo Franke chose topics about marketing and marketisation in eSports. The eSports Yearbook is a collection of articles about eSports.