Communication, Cooperation, and Competition: Examining the Literacy Practices of Esports Teams

Abstract

While scholars have examined various ways that video games can promote learning and influence communication, limited research has examined the literacy and communication practices of esports teams. This study utilizes a content analysis methodology to examine the literacy and communication patterns of two esports teams who competitively play the popular video game Rocket League, a soccer-like game in which players control vehicles and try to hit a ball into their opponents' goal. Findings demonstrate that the esports teams utilize both oral and written communication in a variety of ways in their esports endeavors. The primary types of oral communication the teams used related to strategy, encouragement, and general commentary, and the primary types of written language included pre-game schedules, in-game and post-game chat, and post-game stats. Ultimately, this study demonstrates how esports teams engage in communication and literacy practices as they cooperate with their teammates and compete against their opponents.