Spiritus Ludi: Smart Wearable Textiles that Foster and Elevate Connections in Esports Teams

Sports teams use touch communication to enhance cooperation and performance. In esports, previous research builds understanding on audiovisual communication and teamwork. Previous mediated touch research focused on close dyadic communication. However, the designing of mediated touch and understanding its impact on multiplayer esports teams are uninvestigated. The objectives of this study are to design and evaluate smart wearable textiles (Spiritus Ludi) to foster a social connection in esports teams using mediated touch. We develop smart sleeves including textiles with hard and flexible electronics, and a mobile application with wireless communication using human-centered design. We conducted a mixed method evaluation study with CS:GO teams. The results highlight that use of Spiritus Ludi among team members is an elevating and encouraging gesture which strengthens positive emotions, builds connection and team spirit. The structure and performance of the game guides its use. We contribute new understanding on mediated team touch in competitive esports.