SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL ASPECTS OF E-SPORTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Dejan Dašić

doi:10.5937/ekonsig2502017D

Authors

Dejan Dašić Information Technology School + Faculty of Sport, University Union “Nikola Tesla”, Belgrade, Serbia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5937/ekonsig2502017D

Keywords:

e-sports, socio-economic aspects, cultural identity, digital culture, e-sports market

Abstract

E-sports have, over the past decade, evolved into one of the most dynamic phenomena of digital culture, with significant economic, social, and cultural implications. The aim of this paper is to analyze the key dimensions of e-sports development - based on a systematic review of recent scientific literature - and to assess its impact on contemporary economic trends, social relations, and cultural patterns. The findings indicate that the economic growth of the e-sports industry stems from the interaction of media technologies, digital infrastructure, human capital, and global market trends. From a social perspective, e-sports contribute to the formation of new types of social capital, online communities, and generational identity, while from a cultural standpoint they manifest through the transformation of media consumption practices, audience participation, and the normalization of digital behaviors. The paper synthesizes insights from multiple disciplines and highlights the need for integrated models that connect macroeconomic factors, organizational structures, and the individual practices of players and audiences. These insights may serve as a foundation for policymaking, the development of educational programs, and the improvement of institutional support for the e-sports sector.

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