Esport and Society: An Introduction

Provides the tools to understand the impact, challenges, and opportunities of the esports industry

Esports has transformed from a niche hobby into a global industry, influencing entertainment, economics, and social structures. Yet it remains a topic of intense debate. Critics argue that competitive gaming promotes unhealthy behaviors, fosters addiction, and fails to cultivate essential life skills. On the other hand, supporters see esports as a rapidly growing sector that provides career opportunities, fosters inclusivity, and redefines modern sports culture.

Esports and Society: An Introduction provides a balanced and research-backed examination of this phenomenon, unpacking both the benefits and concerns surrounding esports. In this student-friendly textbook, author Cornel Nesseler moves beyond common misconceptions to provide a nuanced analysis of the industry’s real-world impact. Concise chapters explore the intersection of competitive and non-competitive gaming and broader societal trends while offering real-world insights into esports career opportunities, connections to traditional sports, and the games at the core of the industry. Equipping readers with the critical tools to assess the role of an industry that continues to redefine modern sports and digital culture, Esports and Society: An Introduction:

• Discusses the global reach of esports and the diversity of games and player communities
• Explores key issues such as player well-being, gender representation, industry ethics, and economic impact
• Focuses on professional competitive gaming and casual gaming culture
• Examines the role of data analytics in esports, supported by empirical exercises and data-driven insights
• Includes discussion questions designed to encourage critical thinking and classroom engagement

Integrating academic research with real-world examples and data, Esports and Society: An Introduction is essential reading for students and educators in sports sciences, business, data analytics, and digital media. It is an ideal textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses on esports, sports and society, and gaming culture.

Cornel Nesseler is an Associate Professor at the University of Stavanger, Norway, specializing in field experiments in sports and esports. His research focuses on discrimination, performance, and decision-making within sports industries. He has held academic positions at NTNU Trondheim, the University of Zurich, and the University of Amsterdam, with published work in journals such as the Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Games and Culture and Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics.