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Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Abstract

Background：The advent of eSports has catalyzed a fresh wave of contemplation within the sports science community regarding the concept of the body. With the digital revolution, eSports has emerged as a significant segment within the realm of sports, further solidified by its recognition in prestigious events like the Asian Games. However, despite its elevated status, eSports continues to grapple with skepticism over its 'non-physical' nature due to the apparent lack of physical activity that characterizes traditional sports. Exploring Generation Z's experiences in eSports enhances our grasp of digital gaming's corporeal aspects and unveils complex ties between the body, eSports, and cultural narratives.

Methods: This study employed sensory ethnography to collect qualitative data from Generation Z players of "Honor of Kings". Motor behavioral intention analysis and individual motor behavior logs were utilized to explore the nuanced bodily sensations experienced during eSports gameplay. Participants were engaged through in-depth interviews and participatory observations, with data collection focusing on capturing the dual aspects of virtual and real-world body sensations. The analysis integrated sensory narrative techniques to construct a comprehensive picture of the embodied experiences within the digital gaming context.

Results: The study revealed that Generation Z players experienced a dichotomy of bodily sensations in eSports: "virtual world body sensations" characterized by immersion and spatial awareness, and "real-world body sensations" marked by warmth and discomfort. The virtual sensations reflect the rich and individualized culture of eSports, influenced by technology and game mechanics. In contrast, real-world sensations resonate with traditional sports' physical exertions, highlighting the subjective physicality in eSports. This interplay between virtual and real sensations underscores a unique bodily experience in eSports, extending the conventional understanding of physical engagement in sports.

Conclusion: The investigation into Generation Z's bodily sensations in "Honor of Kings" underscores the transformative impact of digital gaming on traditional perceptions of the body in sports. The dual sensations experienced in both virtual and real-world contexts highlight the complex interplay between digital immersion and physical embodiment. This study not only broadens the scope of sports sciences by integrating digital culture but also challenges the binary distinction between physical and non-physical sports, suggesting that digital gaming experiences contribute significantly to our understanding of bodily experiences in contemporary sports culture. Future research should further explore this intersection, considering the implications for digital literacy, gaming ethics, and the holistic well-being of eSports participants.

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