Future of Esports and the Development of Related Professions
Kholodov, Igor (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025072923713
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025072923713
Tiivistelmä
This thesis explores the future of esports and the development of related professions in a rapidly evolving global industry. As competitive gaming continues to grow in popularity, economic value, cultural significance, and new career opportunities are emerging across multiple sectors – from professional players and coaches to event organizers, marketing specialists, and data analysts. This research aimed to analyse how the professionalization of esports compares to traditional sports, to identify the key challenges the industry faces, and to propose recommendations for sustainable development and education.
The research combines a scoping review of current academic and industry sources, qualitative insights from an expert interview, and comparative analysis with traditional sports structures. The study finds that while esports share many similarities with conventional sports in terms of training, management, and audience engagement, it also faces unique structural, social, and professional challenges – including short career spans, lack of unified governance, and diversity gaps.
The results support the hypothesis that the future growth and legitimacy of esports will rely not only on player performance but also on the expansion and recognition of the wider ecosystem of supporting professions. The findings highlight the need for formal education programs, improved health and career support systems, and institutional collaboration to ensure a sustainable and inclusive esports industry.
The research combines a scoping review of current academic and industry sources, qualitative insights from an expert interview, and comparative analysis with traditional sports structures. The study finds that while esports share many similarities with conventional sports in terms of training, management, and audience engagement, it also faces unique structural, social, and professional challenges – including short career spans, lack of unified governance, and diversity gaps.
The results support the hypothesis that the future growth and legitimacy of esports will rely not only on player performance but also on the expansion and recognition of the wider ecosystem of supporting professions. The findings highlight the need for formal education programs, improved health and career support systems, and institutional collaboration to ensure a sustainable and inclusive esports industry.