Esports development ecosystem in Hong Kong: An application of a systems thinking literacy approach

Abstract

Academic debates have focused on whether esports should be classified as sport. To contribute to building a healthier esports industry, this study developed a holistic framework for examining the strengths and weaknesses of esports development in Hong Kong with a systems thinking literacy approach. By applying a systems thinking literacy approach, the ecosystem framework considered the interactions between the six macro systems: the technological system, social system, policy and legal system, education system, nongovernmental organisations system, and economic system (specifically, the esports industry). Hong Kong has a competitive advantage in information and communications technology infrastructure and a strong potential market for esports, but needs to improve the social image of esports, to implement policies to support the industry, to strengthen the education system, and to address a series of industry issues. Implications on esports ecosystem at international level are also discussed.