Esports Research Landscape: A 20-Year Analysis of Trends and Changes (2004-2024)

This study analyzes the research trends in esports over the past two decades (2004-2024) by examining 310 academic papers published in South Korea using text mining and network analysis techniques. The findings reveal that from 2004 to 2011, esports research primarily focused on social issues, particularly youth-related concerns and gaming addiction. CONCOR analysis identified four key clusters: ‘Paradigm Shift in Esports,’ ‘Corporate Sponsorship and Consumer Behavior,’ ‘Fandom Characteristics and Marketing Effects,’ and ‘Pro-Gamers and Cultural Formation.’ In contrast, research from 2012 to 2024 shifted toward industrial and cultural value, education, and inclusivity. Network analysis showed strong associations with terms such as ‘esports research’ and ‘esports utilization.’ This study systematically examines the evolving research landscape and interconnections among key topics, contributing to the establishment of a robust academic foundation for esports. The findings provide practical insights for policy and industry development, emphasizing the need for future studies to incorporate comparative international research and advanced methodologies such as meta-analysis.