Talking to Win: The Impact of Communication on Performance in Esports

Abstract

In the fast-paced world of esports, effective communication is crucial for team success. This study investigates the impact of communication styles on players’ perception of performance within university-affiliated Overwatch esports teams. In total, 10 teams participated. Each team completed two scrimmages, separated by an intervention. Results revealed both a significant increase in the perceived frequency of declarative communication during team fights and perceived improvements in response speed and overall team performance ratings, suggesting that streamlined, direct communication can enhance team coordination. Qualitative data further supported these findings, with a majority of players reporting positive impacts on communication effectiveness and team performance. These findings support the hypothesis that declarative communication improves performance by facilitating clearer and more efficient decision-making processes.