Features of the formation of teenager motivation for playing eSports

Abstract

This article examines the peculiarities of the formation of motivation among teenagers to engage in sports, which potentially affects the quality and effectiveness of their eSports training. Taking into account eSports development dynamics and the rapid growth of the population of teenage eSports players, the study of their motivation to engage in eSports is one of the most urgent socio-pedagogical issues. The main motives and factors that encourage young people to support this mainstream are analyzed. It is noted that the analysis of motivation peculiarities among eSports teenage players will allow a better understanding of the nature of such a socio-cultural phenomenon as eSports, and in the future this knowledge can be used in the development of practical recommendations for teenager selection in eSports teams. Conducted studies prove that the motivation of teenagers to engage in eSports is formed according to the needs of each. Also, the peculiarities of motivation are influenced by factors that do not depend on the wishes of teenagers: the rapid development of information and communication technologies, the COVID-19 pandemic, etc. It was established that such factors as socialization, escapism, self-realization, the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills, rivalry, self-esteem improvement, mood improvement and financial support are aimed as the needs of teenagers and influence their motivation to engage in eSports. At the same time, it’s recommended to take into account the peculiarities of teenager motivation when selecting them for professional teams from various eSports disciplines.