Legitimizing the game: how gamers' personal experiences shape the emergence of grassroots collective action in esports - UTU Research Portal

A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Legitimizing the game: how gamers' personal experiences shape the emergence of grassroots collective action in esports

Authors: Cestino Joaquin, Macey Joseph, McCauley Brian,

Publisher: Emerald

Publication year: 2023

Journal: Internet Research

Volume: 33

Issue: 7

First page : 111

Last page: 132

eISSN: 1066-2243

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-05-2022-0347

Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address : https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/INTR-05-2022-0347/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest

Abstract

Purpose

This paper studies early stages of actor mobilization for institutional change within Swedish esports.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

The authors’ findings explain how actors become motivated to act in critical reflections linked to conflicting legitimacy judgments and emotionally charged personal struggles. Moreover, the findings show how, as actors get activated in collective action, they identify efficacy lines around valid domains and experience emotionally charged collective endeavors. Furthermore, the findings explain how particularities in early experiences project legitimacy aspirations that orient collective action toward validity ends and particular values and ideals shaping actors' grassroots movements.

Originality/value

This study adds to legitimacy and institutional change theory through individual actors' perspectives, providing key insights into how they are motivated, activated, and oriented. This study is the first to investigate grassroots activists' personal stories in esports.