The sportization of esports and its implications in the near future of sport

Esports: Philosophical Perspectives

“…The article raises the question of whether the defining values of traditional sports are standardization and competition, as seen in e-sports, or physicality and the human element. Molina et al (2024) concur with Jonasson (2016) in their that the advent of the hybrid phase of modern sport is an unavoidable consequence of the modern digital era, which has shaped contemporary culture in such a way as to create new interests, needs and values. Accordingly, they argue that the debate should not focus on whether esports are real sports, but rather on revising the concept of sport.…”

“…Accordingly, they argue that the debate should not focus on whether esports are real sports, but rather on revising the concept of sport. It is argued that modern sport should embrace esports as sports, subject to constraints, and utilise their sportifization with specific purposes (Molina et al, 2024). According to Molina et al (2024), esports can contribute to the expansion and development of sporting competition and contribute to environmental sustainability, as they do not require the construction of sporting facilities and the associated environmental costs.…”

“…It is argued that modern sport should embrace esports as sports, subject to constraints, and utilise their sportifization with specific purposes (Molina et al, 2024). According to Molina et al (2024), esports can contribute to the expansion and development of sporting competition and contribute to environmental sustainability, as they do not require the construction of sporting facilities and the associated environmental costs. They ensure the safety and physical integrity of athletes/players and can more easily provide social justice and equal opportunities in sports competitions (Molina et al, 2024).…”

“…According to Molina et al (2024), esports can contribute to the expansion and development of sporting competition and contribute to environmental sustainability, as they do not require the construction of sporting facilities and the associated environmental costs. They ensure the safety and physical integrity of athletes/players and can more easily provide social justice and equal opportunities in sports competitions (Molina et al, 2024). In esports, the physical attributes required for success in some conventional sports are less significant, and participation in sports is encouraged regardless of an individual's geographical origin or place of residence (Molina et al, 2024).…”

“…They ensure the safety and physical integrity of athletes/players and can more easily provide social justice and equal opportunities in sports competitions (Molina et al, 2024). In esports, the physical attributes required for success in some conventional sports are less significant, and participation in sports is encouraged regardless of an individual's geographical origin or place of residence (Molina et al, 2024). Consequently, the number of participants in sports is also on the rise, in accordance with the Olympic ideal of participation.…”