Legitimizing the game

How gamers' personal experiences shape the emergence of grassroots collective action in esports

Bibliographic Data

ID12420650
AuthorsJoaquín Cestino (0000-0003-2625-3527, Jönköping University, corresponding author), Joseph Macey (0000-0002-9770-739X, Tampere University), Brooke Mccauley (0000-0002-4925-7988, Jönköping University), Brian McCauley
Year2023
Volume33
Issue7
Pages111-132
Publication date2023-05-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternet Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1066-2243 • E-ISSN: 2054-5657
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/intr-05-2022-0347
OpenAlexW4378374613
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited63

Purpose This paper studies early stages of actor mobilization for institutional change within Swedish esports. Design/methodology/approach The authors employ interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings The authors’ findings explain how actors become motivated to act in critical reflections linked to conflicting legitimacy judgments and emotionally charged personal struggles. Moreover, the findings show how, as actors get activated in collective action, they identify efficacy lines around valid domains and experience emotionally charged collective endeavors. Furthermore, the findings explain how particularities in early experiences project legitimacy aspirations that orient collective action toward validity ends and particular values and ideals shaping actors' grassroots movements. Originality/value This study adds to legitimacy and institutional change theory through individual actors' perspectives, providing key insights into how they are motivated, activated, and oriented. This study is the first to investigate grassroots activists' personal stories in esports

Action (physics · Collective action · Grassroots · Legitimacy · Originality · Political science · Politics · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Value (mathematics · Digital Games and Media · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering · Psychology · Social Psychology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access