Differences and Similarities in Motivation for Offline and Online eSports Event Consumption

Abstract

ESports is a rising phenomenon that attracts followers worldwide. Recently, big eSports events are hosted regularly as a counterpart to the "traditional" online streams. However, the differences between offline and online consumption have not been scientifically addressed. Based on the Motivation Scale for Sports Consumption (MSSC), on-site visitors and stream followers (N = 637) of a big eSports event were surveyed. By analyzing the motives for eSports consumption of these two groups, insights about users following one specific broadcast form were derived and success factors (e.g. intention to visit) were assessed. While on-site attendees are motivated by social aspects, online participants seek knowledge gain and are interested in details of the gameplay. Escape and drama motivation are equally important for both groups. The findings give new insights in the field of eSports and help practitioners develop live experiences of eSports online as well as offline.

eSports events, the good, the bad and the ugly, from a parent’s perspective.

“…Many of the parents commented that they did not know or understand how the eSports games worked, but they enjoyed the socialising part of the event where they could meet other parents and socialise with them. This statement is supported by the findings of Neus (2020) and Pu et al (2022), who found that on-site attendees of eSports events were motivated by the social aspects of the events, whereas online attendees were more focused on gaining knowledge, and were interested in the intricacies of the game. Regarding knowledge of the games, this finding is further consistent with the study by Pu et al (2022), who found the need to expand one's knowledge of the eSports games as an additional motivator.…”

“…This is supported by Pu, Ciao and Kota (2022), who concluded that more information is currently needed on the reasons why spectators attend eSports events. Jenny et al (2018) and Neus (2020) commented that research into eSports developments will always be a fruitful area to focus on with future research projects. Pu et al (2022) highlight in their study that motivation is an important topic that should be considered when looking at sport consumer behaviour.…”

“…Pu et al (2022) describe it as creating a physical offline space where people could gather at the event, something that would not be able to happen online. Neus (2020) further suggests that online tournaments should enhance the social experience of online events to cater to social needs by creating chat rooms or more interactive features that would assist participants and spectators to feel socially connected during an online event. Pu et al (2022) make similar suggestions, such as a social zone, an offline get-together party or socialising apps through which spectators could connect during and after the event.…”