Exploring the Embodied Experience of Disabilities in eSports: A Study on First Person Shooters

Abstract

The eSports industry has experienced a remarkable surge, transforming competitive video games into professional sports. Despite its rapid expansion and recognition as legitimate sports worldwide, unresolved debates persist, challenging our understanding of eSports as a distinct phenomenon. This article aims to bridge existing gaps in the eSports literature by investigating how disabilities are experienced in the interplay between physical and virtual bodies in specific eSports titles called "First Person Shooters" (FPS). FPS games demand swift reaction times, exceptional hand-eye coordination, and in-depth understanding of in-game maps and equipment, making them an opportune domain to explore player engagement and the interaction between physical and virtual bodies. Recognizing that eSports are constructed around an able and competitive body, this research explores the effects of personalization practices in eSports, which may normalize impairments and lead to new organizational processes and participation for people with disabilities. By analyzing the relationship between physical and virtual bodies, mediated by different peripherals, the paper sheds light on the exclusion experienced by eSports athletes in FPS games. Through this study, we gain better insights into the phenomenon of eSports and its potential similarities to traditional sports in terms of discrimination. The research contributes to understanding the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in eSports and presents recommendations for practice and future research.