Esport and Society - by Cornel Nesseler (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

Exploring the Societal Impact of Esport: Challenges, Benefits, and Future Directions

Esport has emerged as a global industry, influencing entertainment, economics, and culture. While critics argue that competitive gaming fosters unhealthy behaviors and lacks real-world value, supporters see it as an innovative, inclusive, and rapidly growing field that redefines modern sports. In Esport and Society: An Introduction, author Cornel Nesseler provides a comprehensive and research-driven exploration of these debates, examining the industry's benefits, challenges, and broader societal implications.

This concise textbook covers key topics such as player well-being, industry ethics, gender representation, and the economic significance of Esport. It clarifies the differences between professional competitive gaming and casual play while analyzing how Esport intersects with data analytics, business, and digital media. Featuring real-world examples, empirical exercises, and discussion questions, the book's student-friendly chapters encourage critical thinking and engagement with one of the most dynamic cultural movements of the twenty-first century.

With up-to-date coverage of career opportunities and the games that lead the industry, Esport and Society: An Introduction is perfect for undergraduate and graduate students taking courses on Esports, sports and society, digital media, and business, whether used as a core text or supplementary reading. It is also a valuable resource for educators, researchers, and industry professionals seeking a deeper understanding of Esport and its evolving role in society.

About the Author

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, and has published in journals such as the Journal of Business Ethics and Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics.