The global phenomenon of eSports has experienced exponential growth in recent years, gaining interest from the media, sports and technology industries. Being born digital, global and agile, competitive gaming appeals to a young and emerging audience, and therefore the management of businesses within the eSports industry requires a unique strategy. Presenting a short history of the industry and an overview of its various stakeholders, the author explores how important governing principles have emerged to culminate in a business model network. An insightful read for scholars researching innovation, eBusiness and strategy, this book takes a pioneering approach and examines potential implications for the future of eSports.

Provides a history of eSports and the concept of competitive gaming, discussing its growth and evolution Examines the 'business model network,' as well as the stakeholders and actors within the eSports industry Fills a gap in literature by offering a macro-level view of a global phenomenon

Autorentext
Tobias M. Scholz is a Postdoctoral Researcher for Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour at the University of Siegen, Germany. He has been involved in eSports since 2001, and is the Editor of the eSports Yearbook. He was the Editor-in-chief of the first German eSports magazine. His research focuses on organisational technology studies, HRM, and eSports. Tobias' most recent book is Big Data in Organizations and the Role of Human Resource Management (2017).

Inhalt

1. Introduction: The Emergence of eSports.- 2. A Short History of eSports and Management.- 3. Stakeholders in the eSports Industry.- 4. Unwritten Governing Principles.- 5. The Business Model Network.- 6. Conclusion: The Future of eSports.