Sports and gaming are major topics in media. They highlight the importance of play in modern habits (Billings, 2017). Mobile media has made fandom mainstream. It did this through fantasy sports and YouTube. It has blurred the line between spectator and performer (Bowman & Cranmer, 2014). Esports is at the center of this trend. It has grown thanks to better internet access. It involves over 205 million people globally (Casselman, 2015).
eSports has a long history. It started in the 1970s and has now reached mainstream audiences. ESPN and Turner Broadcasting have made major investments (Peckham, 2016). eSports is like traditional sports but has a different audience. Many eSports fans do not follow traditional sports (Aaron, 2015).
This study looks at why people engage with eSports and traditional sports. It focuses on the uses and joys of each. The survey asked over 1,300 American eSports players about their interests in both areas. The results show that both groups engage in fandom similarly. Yet, their reasons for media consumption differ. For example, players seek cookie casino bonus codes to improve their gaming.
Literature Review
Understanding Motivations for eSports and Traditional Sports Fandom
Before we look at eSports fandom, you must understand why people follow sports. This study uses the “uses and gratifications” approach (Katz et al., 1973). It explains why people choose certain media based on their goals and needs. The fundamental assumptions of this approach are:
- Goal-Oriented Behavior: Audiences seek specific goals through their media consumption.
- Active Media Use: Audiences choose their media.
- Need Awareness: Audiences know their needs and select media to meet them.
For instance, fans of Cookie Casino Netherlands might use their favorite gaming site for fun. They also use it for socializing and the thrill of competition. This framework helps us see how people consume traditional sports and esports. It also shows how they are alike and different. It shows what drives them.
- Relaxation
- Escape
- Diversion
Traditional sports have a long history with established cultural significance. People grow up with shared experiences of watching games with family and friends. In contrast, eSports is a newer phenomenon that is familiar to younger audiences.
Both eSports and traditional sports fans may seek similar gratifications, such as:
- Eustress: Seeking excitement and stress relief.
- Mood Management: Using sports to influence mood.
- Community Building: Connecting with others through sports.
Understanding these motives helps explain why people like eSports. It also explains its potential links to traditional sports fandom. Sports media is evolving. It now uses simultaneous screens and has broadened the definition of sport. This has changed how fans consume and interact with sports.
Intersections Between Traditional Sports and eSports
Traditional sports and eSports share many similarities in how they build fan cultures:
- Fan Support:
Traditional sports fans show support by wearing team gear. They also post on social media. This helps athletes gain celebrity status and monetary rewards (Li & Huang, 2014).
eSports fans also wear team logos and gear at events. Big brands like Monster and Red Bull sponsor eSports. They put their brands into the games (Thompson & Cake, 2016).
- Profit and Exposure:
- Gamers can earn big profits. For example, the 2014 Dota 2 tournament had a $10 million prize pool. It was broadcast on ESPN (Lahlou, 2014).
- ESPN and Turner Sports have platforms for eSports. This makes them easier for a bigger audience to access (Gaudiosi, 2016). The 2016 Olympic Games even featured an eGames Showcase (Bevins & Dave, 2016).
- Growing Popularity:
- eSports tournaments are popular. They need rules (Seo & Jung, 2014). Rivalries between teams improve competition. Companies like Red Bull are building training labs to help players get better.
- Motivations and Engagement:
- Understanding why people watch traditional sports and eSports can help. It can attract diverse and passionate fans. This study explores these similarities and differences to engage fans and participants better.
By recognizing these parallels, both industries can learn to engage their audience.
Conclusion
This study reveals new insights into avid eSports fans. It shows what drives them to watch a lot of content and to do interactive and social activities. Unlike traditional sports fans, eSports fans show a unique pattern of engagement.
- Shared Interests: eSports fans often like traditional sports. Yet, they watch for different reasons.
- Esports fans are more dedicated. They want to engage with esports content more than traditional sports fans do.
- They follow eSports for the same reasons as outlined by Raney (2006). Yet, the strength of these reasons sets them apart.
eSports fans are key players in the sports world. They are set apart by their intense focus on eSports.
