A1 Journal article (refereed)
Esports fandom in the age of transmedia : the reception of the overwatch league (2021)
Ruotsalainen, M., & Välisalo, T. (2021). Esports fandom in the age of transmedia : the reception of the overwatch league. Eracle : Journal of Sport and Social Sciences, 4(1), 11-35. https://doi.org/10.6093/2611-6693/8517
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Ruotsalainen, Maria; Välisalo, Tanja
Journal or series: Eracle : Journal of Sport and Social Sciences
eISSN: 2611-6693
Publication year: 2021
Volume: 4
Issue number: 1
Pages range: 11-35
Publisher: Universita degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II"
Publication country: Italy
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6093/2611-6693/8517
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/78816
Abstract
In our article, we analyse the ways audiences engage with Overwatch esports and construct their fan relationships. We situate our research into several intersecting theoretical frames. To understand how Overwatch esports audiences engage with the esports through different media and media related practices we apply the framework of transmedia studies in our examination. To better understand how meanings related to esports are constructed through these practices we also draw from research on fandom and fan engagement. We reflect these findings on earlier research on sports fandom and esports viewership, enabling us to identify how Overwatch esports communities relate to traditional sports communities. Our study reveals how esports is intertwined with the everyday lived reality of the esports audiences, and how meanings are constructed through (mediated) audience practices. Our article contributes to the study of esports transmedia and to the understanding of the similarities and differences of esports and sports audiences.
Keywords: electronic sports; audience; fandom; transmedia; cultural research; sociology of physical exercise
Free keywords: esport audiences; fan studies; transmedia; overwatch; thematic analysis
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies
- Koskimaa, Raine
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 0