Beyond the Game: Information Systems, Infrastructure, and the Growth of eSports

Abstract

This study explores the multifaceted nature of eSports, focusing on competitive video gaming as a global phenomenon. The study aims to investigate the factors driving the expansion of the eSports industry and how it is examined within the information systems discipline. The introduction provides an overview of the growing popularity of eSports and its impact on various aspects, such as technology, economics, and sociocultural dynamics. The problem being addressed is the need to understand the complex ecosystem of eSports, including technological infrastructure, organizational structures, and the interaction between social and technical systems. The methods used in this study involve a qualitative inquiry through interviews with five key participants in the eSports industry, specifically the managing team of the Saudi eSports Federation. Moreover, Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data and identify patterns and themes. The results of the study provide insights into the perspectives and experiences of the managing team of the Saudi eSports Federation and presents them in the form of identified themes. Future work is highlighted in the limitations of the study and the need for further research to generalise the findings and explore other contexts within the eSports industry.