The Development of Sports: A Comparative Analysis of the Early Institutionalization of Traditional Sports and E-Sports

Abstract

This article takes the definition of a sport as “an institutionalized game” under which both “traditional sports” and “E-sports” fall. It takes a comparative analytical approach that examines the historical documentation and cultural output of these two major categories of sports and their early institutionalization. Given the increasing interest in, engagement with and spectator numbers of E-sports, it is worth considering the key similarities and differences between various institutions. This article examines traditional sports institutions from the mid-19th to late 19th century alongside E-sports institutions that emerged from the mid-1990s to the present day. Firstly, the processes of institutionalization are analyzed with these examples in mind and, secondly, are compared to draw out the significant differences and similarities between the factors affecting early institutionalization.

The rise of E-Sports and potential for Post-COVID continued growth

“…Fighting games, such as Super Smash Bros. Melee, had no official tournament rules so a forum page titled the Smash Backroom created informal rules for competitions. This shows how the only difference between traditional sports and e-sports is the interest and growth rate of the games (Summerley 2020).…”

“…Given that sports have been around for centuries, it is important to understand what the meaning of institutionalization is in regards to them. Regulation typically occurs once the sport has reached a certain size, specifically so that there can be a standardization for the community and competitions (Summerley 2020). Standardization meaning a specific set of rules that all competitors accept as valid.…”

“…For example, football (soccer) became officially institutionalized under the Football Association (FA) in 1863 because organizing competitions was difficult and many losses occurred due to different rules by teams. The pressure to have a universal ruleset was the reason for the Sheffield Assocation's adoption of these rules, despite many considering them possessing a better set of rules (Summerley 2020). This same logic was naturally applied to e-sports once it entered the competitive environment.…”

“…Since their conception, the Olympic games have been a model for aspiration and hard work. One of the main concerns with the Olympics was "supporting the amateur ideal" in order to counter professionalism (Summerley 2020). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was thus created in an attempt to moralize the sport.…”

eSports diplomacy: towards a sustainable ‘gold rush’

“…With growth, however, comes challenges. Summerley (2020) calls into question the very definition of esports and the complexity of defining the field and niche institutions within the sport umbrella. Reitman et al (2020) highlights the nascency and disparity of esports literature, including the issues associated with the construction of the research corpus.…”