earticle

영어

Esports has emerged as a prominent leisure activity in the digital society, exerting a significant influence in the virtual world. Particularly for college students who have immersed themselves in gaming, the plethora of online activities can be overwhelming. However, esports activities on campus play a crucial role in shaping the identity of these students. By providing a sense of community and belonging, as well as opportunities to develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, esports clubs offer valuable experiences. Moreover, they serve as a platform for students to showcase their competitive abilities. This study aims to explore the commonalities and differences that arise from interviews conducted with regard to esports clubs on campus. The focus will be on college students who have grown up in a digital society, deeply engaged in games and esports. Additionally, the study seeks to investigate the emergence and progression of esports clubs within collegiate settings in both the United States and South Korea. The participants were interviewed via video-conferencing platforms, such as Zoom, or in-person meetings, with each session lasting approximately two hours or less. Through this research, we aim to propose that the activities of esports clubs among Korean as well as American university students can contribute to the establishment of a healthy esports culture, centered on the restoration of amateurism, which is often overshadowed by professionalism.