Following the success of previous years, the Esports Research Network Conference (ERNC) 2024 once again brought together academia and industry to tackle critical questions and explore emerging issues at the intersection of esports and society. Held from October 30th to November 1st, ERNC24 took place in London, UK, under the powerful theme “Where Worlds Collide.”
Over three days, attendees were presented with an impressive lineup of research presentations, industry panels, and inspiring keynote speeches, making it clear that esports continues to evolve rapidly as a critical socio-technical phenomenon.
This year’s keynotes stood out, addressing the shifting landscapes and underlying tensions within esports:
- Anna Baumann delivered a captivating keynote titled “Beyond the Agora: Esports and the Fractured Dream of a Unified Society.” She masterfully unpacked the growing tension between esports’ idealistic roots—a unified, inclusive competitive space—and the realities shaped by commercial and capitalistic forces. Baumann emphasized the urgent need for focused research and dedicated action to preserve esports’ potential as a truly borderless and transformative arena.
- Emma Witkowski, introduced by Nicolas Besombes, provided deep insights in her talk, “Collisions, Context & Coming Together: Exploring the Intersection of Traditional Sports & Esports.” Witkowski’s analysis underscored the importance of mutual learning between esports and traditional sports, highlighting how these exchanges can foster inclusive environments and innovative practices.
- Brett Abarbanel offered fresh perspectives in her engaging presentation “The Bettor Part of Valor(ant),” exploring the intersections of gaming culture, gambling, and esports. Her discussion raised critical questions on the implications and future directions of gambling practices within esports.
Beyond these powerful keynotes, ERNC24 also featured a rich array of research presentations and panels addressing critical themes, including diversity and inclusion, sustainability, ethical governance, and performance analytics. The breadth of topics illustrated how esports research continues to provide valuable insights not only for gaming but for understanding broader societal dynamics in our increasingly digital world.
To explore all the groundbreaking research presented at ERNC24, access the complete Book of Abstract here.
As ERNC24 drew to a close, attendees left energized and inspired to continue bridging research and practice, ensuring esports’ development remains thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable. The conversations started here will undoubtedly shape the future of esports as it moves forward into new territories and continued collisions of digital and physical worlds.