The Future of Gaming and Sport: The Rise of the E-sports Industry in China

Abstract

This paper examines the recent trend in relation to the rise of e-sports in China. Firstly, the rise of the industry from past to present is explored, assessing how factors such as certain government policies and technology greatly shaped the industry. A Macro-micro approach underpins the main theoretical framework of this paper. Secondly, the paper, includes primary research through an online survey featuring 10 questions with a target sample of 50 random people. This is done in combination with data and statistics from secondary research to compare and contrast and to identify similar patterns of Chinese e-sports fans (micro-analysis).

Having explored the history of the rise of e-sports in China, this research highlights how on the macro level (political economy) – government policies, social, cultural and economic factors greatly contributed to the establishment of the e-sport industry in China. In addition, on the micro level, the results from 75 respondents of the online survey, combined with secondary data and statistics, reveal eight similar patterns amongst Chinese esports fans. These include their behaviour, experiences and their engagement in e-sports activity. They are evidence of general aspects about how and why the e-sports industry is currently thriving in China both locally and nationally.