Earticle

This paper discusses the changing concept of digital labor in the gaming environment of eSports. It refers to the term “human-machine hybridization” to investigate the formation of new working conditions under the conditions of computational technology. The first part of this paper examines three developments of automation that create immersive gaming environments powered by artificial intelligence. These developments include the enhancement of player immersion, the datafication of player engagement, and a self-enterprising data analytics business environment. The second part analyses how AI training software changes the playing style of competitive players and improves their practice skills. It elaborates a new mode of labor productivity mediated through a mathematical machine-learning model created for processing large-scale player data. Finally, it concludes with a discussion of digital labor as it emerges from the interaction between computer datafication, high-tech labor subjectivity, and corporate commodification in eSports.

This study aims to explore the educational and social implications of how university eSports lead to community participation through the case of eSports competitions at Naresuan University in Thailand. To achieve this goal, this study intends to adopt qualitative case research methods through literature research, participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and collection of local data. In conclusion, the university eSports competitions did not remain at the university level, but led to community participation including several middle, high schools in Northern Thailand. It had educational and social implications related to the concept of trust, reciprocity, and network as a social capital in Phitsanulok. It holds significant meaning in understanding the regional eSports activities centered around Naresuan University

Since 2018, widely referred to as the “First Year of eSports” in Japan, the country has witnessed rapid growth in the eSports industry, fueled by increased media coverage and public interest. However, this expansion has also exposed significant ethical challenges, including the legal ambiguity surrounding prize money, misconduct among professional players, and a lack of comprehensive education regarding sportsmanship and fair play. This paper explores these ethical transformations by examining Japan’s unique legal and cultural context, the establishment of professional licensing through JeSU, and a series of high-profile misconduct cases that have prompted stricter compliance efforts. It also considers the role of education and institutional support in fostering a more sustainable and ethically grounded eSports environment. Through an analysis of recent developments and ongoing challenges, the paper outlines a forward- looking framework for the ethical advancement of Japanese eSports.

The purpose of this study is to suggest ways to manage eSports ethically for sustainable eSports. The continuous holding of eSports competitions means the development and expansion of the eSports industry. This forms a close relationship with the management ethics of developers. Business ethics is the principle that developers must adhere to moral and ethical standards in the process of achieving economic goals. Developers must go beyond simple profit-seeking and fulfill their Corporate social responsibilities, and practice fair and honest management. Therefore, when developers conduct ethical management based on honesty and transparency, fairness and responsibility, Corporate social responsibility, and consideration of stakeholders, eSports competitions can be held continuously and the industry can develop. The results of the discussion based on honesty and transparency, fairness and responsibility, and Corporate social responsibility are as follows. First, honest developers should clearly disclose the probability, not deceive users, and disclose bugs and problems. Transparency also means that the organization does not hide information, but discloses it in a way that stakeholders can understand. Second, developers must apply the same rules to all users based on fairness in terms of probability items, ranking systems, and matching algorithms, and ensure that there are no arbitrary disadvantages. In addition, developers must have an attitude and behavior that can justify their decisions and actions based on responsibility. Third, developers must fulfill their Corporate social responsibility by operating a healthy community, such as by punishing malicious users and preventing hate speech. Therefore, eSports management based on business ethics can create a sustainable eSports industry.