Millions of viewers and players, flashing events and top-of-the-bill sponsors: this is eSports, or competitive video gaming. Game researcher dr. René Glas speaks about the historical context, spectator sports and recent and future developments in eSports.
eSports is short for electronic sports, otherwise known as competitive video gaming. Seemingly, eSports is a new phenomenon. Most fans’ knowledge of eSports doesn’t go further back than four years. However, its roots lie in the mid-nineties. In recent years eSports has professionalized. Hand in hand with this professionalization went commercialization.
The emergence of the term ‘eSports’ simultaneously raised the question whether it can or should be regarded as a ‘real’ sport. Similar to traditional sports, eSports have evolved into a popular spectator sport. However, there are still some differences. René Glas will offer insight into these matters, but he might also raise some questions. Are you game?
Dr. René Glas (Amsterdam, 1980) is as an assistant professor in New Media and Digital Culture at the Department of Media and Culture Studies at Utrecht University and a founding member of the Utrecht University’s Center for the Study of Digital Games and Play. He studied film and new media at the department of Media and Culture, University of Amsterdam. Here, he first developed a taste for studying games. Over the years, Glas has written and presented talks about various game and play related topics.
Organized in cooperation with eSports association Zephyr.
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