Knowledge Trajectory of eSports as an Emerging Field of Research

Jiantao Zhu, Chuhan Cao*, Hefu Liu, Eric Tze Kuan Lim, Chee-Wee Tan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose
Research on electric sports (eSports) has experienced significant growth in recent years as a consequence of increasing connectivity, institutionalization, and technological advances. However, the interdisciplinary nature of the eSports as a field and the burgeoning growth in eSports articles have rendered it necessary to conduct a systematic review of extant literature to take stock of the knowledge accumulated. To this end, we aim to undertake a comprehensive review of extant literature that takes stock of published research to derive opportunities for future research in the realm of eSports. In so doing, we contribute to the advancement of the field by mapping out the knowledge trajectory of eSports research and elucidating areas that have remained underexplored thus far.

Design/methodology/approach
To conduct systematic review of the eSports literature, we employed a framework that included six essential steps: protocol, search, appraisal, synthesis, analysis, and report. This comprehensive approach enables us to meticulously investigate the existing body of literature on eSports and identify key trends and topics addressed within the field. By conducting the multidisciplinary systematic literature review, we thoroughly assess the current state of eSports literature and subsequently outline potential research avenues that can contribute to eSports fields.

Findings
This study draws on a six-phase framework – member preparation, team formation, character selection, team coordination, team performance, and team reflection – to illustrate the roles played by different levels of analysis unit (i.e. characters, players, and teams) and three distinct yet interconnected stages (i.e. inputs, process, and outputs) within eSports games as well as the research opportunities it brings.

Originality/value
We conducted a rigorous systematic review of the eSports literature by using quantitative citation analysis and qualitative content analysis. Furthermore, we adopted team dynamic view of eSports to identify potential research avenues for future research that contribute to advancing our understanding of the eSports tournaments.
Original languageEnglish
JournalIndustrial Management & Data Systems
Volume124
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)1531-1557
Number of pages27
ISSN0263-5577
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2024

Bibliographical note

Published online: 15. March 2024.

Keywords

  • eSports
  • Systematic literature review
  • Citation network
  • Knowledge trajectory

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